Community pharmacists' perceptions on managing people with oral health problems—A prioritisation survey

Background Alternative sources of oral health information are likely to be of benefit to the public, particularly where access to dental services is limited. There is evidence that community pharmacists are willing to advocate for oral health, but it is unclear what is needed to develop this role.

Objectives The aims of this study were to obtain the views of community pharmacy staff on the frequency and type of oral health conditions they encounter challenges in management and training/research priorities.

Methods An anonymous online survey targeted pharmacy staff and elicited quantitative data related to the types and frequencies of oral health conditions experienced. Participants were stratified by age, gender, ethnicity, experience and setting. Free text responses allowed participants to detail challenging aspects of patient management, their priorities for service development and future research. Reflexive thematic analysis of free text responses identified key themes.

Results Oral/facial pain and swelling were seen weekly by most respondents, and daily by 28.8%. Other commonly presenting conditions were ulcers, dry-mouth, thrush and denture issues. Challenges in managing oral health conditions included: access to NHS dentistry, awareness of referral pathways, examination/diagnosis and understanding ‘Red Flags’.

Conclusion Acute and chronic oral health conditions commonly present to community pharmacists who lack necessary knowledge/training, which may result in missing ‘red flag’ symptoms for oral cancer or acute facial swellings which can be life threatening. There is a need to support pharmacists, who are willing to act as oral health advocates, in recognition, prevention and onward referral for oral diseases.