Undergraduate perspectives of the awareness, diagnosis and management of patients with eating disorders

Introduction Patients with eating disorders (EDs) may present with potentially life-threatening complications due to missed and late diagnoses. Dentists can play a fundamental role in the early identification and signposting of patients with suspected EDs.

Aims To investigate the awareness of final-year dental students of the aetiology, diagnosis and management of EDs.

Methods An anonymous electronic questionnaire was distributed to final-year dental students at the University of Manchester. Respondents reported their knowledge, confidence and education related to the management of patients with EDs.

Results Over 50% of students felt they had an above average awareness of the clinical signs and oral manifestations of EDs. The majority of students lacked confidence in discussing a suspected ED diagnosis with patients (75%) and referring them to appropriate services (71%). Additionally, 58% were not confident in planning treatment for and treating a patient with an ED. In total, 100% of students reported that they would benefit from further teaching related to the management of patients with EDs.

Conclusion Participants highlighted the need for further teaching related to the diagnosis and management of patients with EDs. This study supports the development of an educational resource of undergraduate dental students.