Interactive roundtable: Rethinking dentistry: should lifestyle play a bigger role?

This roundtable invites peers to actively discuss the merits of incorporating lifestyle factors in routine discussions with patients. Oral hygiene advice remains essential, but could a review of
wider lifestyle factors play a bigger role in actively managing patients’ oral health – and even lead to improved overall health? Do dental professionals have a right to be advising patients on wider healthcare implications and offer nutritional advice? If so, what changes need to be made in the industry and our mindsets, and if implemented, what could the impact really be?  

Some discussion points we would like to cover during the session include:           

1. What impact do current in-clinic protocols have in managing and preventing the burden of oral disease? Is there currently any impact on overall health as well?          
2. Why should lifestyle factors be discussed alongside standard oral health advice? Is the evidence compelling enough to make a change?          
3. Do dental professionals have the authority and expertise to discuss wider lifestyle factors with patients?          
4. The cross-functional team: a dental professional’s role in a patient’s oral and overall health   
5. Practice what you preach: setting the right example for patients by reviewing how your own lifestyle factors affect your oral & overall health           
6. What is realistically feasible today, and what should the future look like?