national association of prison dentistry uk conference – birmingham 3 rd february 2012 setting up...
TRANSCRIPT
National Association of Prison Dentistry UK
Conference – Birmingham3rd February 2012
Setting up a Dental Health Education Programme in
HMP Prisons
Alison WillisDental Health Co-ordinator
Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Worcestershire has two prison establishments:
HMP Hewell – is a male prison and holds category B, C, D & remand – operational capacity 1431
HMP Long Lartin -is a male adult prison in the high secure estate and holds both category A and B prisoners serving between 4 years and life. The prison operational capacity is 622 prisoners.
Prisoner ProfileIn HMP Hewell the prisoner profile is a
familiar one across the UK;
Mainly young men from deprived backgrounds
With low literacy and educational attainment
History of drug-taking and alcohol abuse Underlying poor nutrition and heavy
smoking
Overall maintaining good oral health is a challenge! - ‘Managing the
impossible’………?
The Challenges in Providing Dental Health Programmes in Prisons
Fieldwork Practicalities:• Security clearance – for high security prisons it can take months• Mandatory training/induction• Risk assessments• Efficient use of dental clinic time and skills, lack of space • Giving free samples of toothpaste and toothbrushes – security
General prison security issues, sessions shortened by security procedures Oral health promotion should a integral part of general health promotion, staff
cutbacks and lack of funds in Healthcare – Health Promotion not seen as a priority
Availability of dental care materials, even where these are available they may be prohibitively expensive to prisoners whose average wage may just be a few pounds a week
Prisoners lifestyle factors
Improving Oral Health Key Areas for Action
Increasing the use of fluoride to prevent tooth decay
Improving diet and reducing sugar intake Encouraging preventive dental care Reduce smoking Increasing early detection of mouth cancer Reducing dental injuries
Prison Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Dental Health Education Session:
• A discussion on a healthy and a unhealthy mouth
• Plaque – gum disease, tooth decay• Diet advice• Smoking, drugs and methadone• Disclosing and effective
toothbrushing technique.
What happens if we don’t remove the plaque?
Plaque Gum Disease
Calculus Mobile Teeth
Evaluation What would you change in your oral health routine after today’s session?
• Brush more effectively• Brushing systematically• Not rinsing after brushing• Reducing the frequency and amount of sugary
drinks and foods.• Eat more fruit and vegetables• Stop smoking or sign to smoking cessation
programme
The Way Forward
Improving the quality of free toothbrushes provided to prisoners
Availability of affordable dental care products on the canteen Ensure avoidable artificial sweeteners are available in the
canteen Linking oral health promotion to general health e.g. smoking
cessation – joint clinics Reduce waiting lists for smoking cessation Clarify the roles and skills of the dental team – extend the
roles of nurses & therapists Ensure that your future plans for the service include
improved oral health and hygiene. Particular attention should be paid to interventions where there is evidence of proven effectiveness.
Thank you for listening