Dental Public Health in Action: Delivering a domestic violence and abuse screening and identification training programme in North Staffordshire-based dental practices.

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a significant public health problem both globally and in the UK. Dental professionals are aptly place to detect the signs of DVA and support patients to disclose DVA. However, dental professionals may lack confidence to identify and refer patients experiencing DVA; training needs in these areas were identified in Staffordshire.

West Midlands Care Home Dental Survey 2011: part 2. Results of clinical survey of care home residents.

Aim: To determine the oral health status of a sample of care home residents and provide data to inform local needs assessments and commissioning decisions.

Methods: A stratified sampling methodology was used to sample care homes; residents were then selected at random and invited to participate. The survey consisted of a short questionnaire and a clinical examination; it attempted to capture data relating to current oral health status, treatment need and suitability for treatment.

West Midlands Care Home Dental Survey 2011: part 1. Results of questionnaire to care home managers.

Aim: To provide baseline data on dental issues affecting residents from the perspective of care home managers to inform oral health local needs assessments and commissioning decisions.

Methods: A pre-piloted postal questionnaire was sent to all identified managers of adult care homes (1,832) in the West Midlands between February and April 2011. Quantitative analysis was complemented by seeking the views of care home managers regarding training and experience of, and access to, dental services.