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. 2024 Aug;27(4):e14163.
doi: 10.1111/hex.14163.

Developing a Consensus Statement to Target Oral Health Inequalities in People With Severe Mental Illness

Masuma Pervin Mishu  1 , Vishal Aggarwal  2 , David Shiers  3   4   5 , Emily Peckham  6 , Gordon Johnston  7 , Easter Joury  8 , Carolyn A Chew-Graham  5 , Katie Goodall  9 , Emma Elliott  10 , Paul French  11 , Rebecca Harris  12   13 , Louise Laverty  14 , Jasper Palmier-Claus  15   16
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Developing a Consensus Statement to Target Oral Health Inequalities in People With Severe Mental Illness

Masuma Pervin Mishu et al. Health Expect. 2024 Aug.

Abstract

Introduction: Oral diseases are more prevalent in people with severe mental illness (SMI) compared to those without mental illnees. A greater focus on oral health is needed to reverse unacceptable but often neglected oral health inequality in people with SMI. This provided the impetus for developing 'The Right to Smile' consensus statement. We aimed to develop and disseminate a consensus statement to address oral health inequality, highlighting the main areas for concern and recommending an evidence-based 5-year action plan to improve oral health in people with SMI.

Methods: The Right to Smile consensus statement was developed by experts from several professional disciplines and practice settings (mental, dental and public health) and people with lived experience, including carers. Stakeholders participated in a series of online workshops to develop a rights-based consensus statement. Subsequent dissemination activities were conducted to maximise its reach and impact.

Results: The consensus statement was developed to focus on how oral health inequalities could be addressed through a set of 5-year improvement targets for practice, policy and training. The consensus was reached on three 5-year action plans: 'Any assessment of physical health in people experiencing SMI must include consideration of oral health', 'Access to dental services for people with SMI needs to improve' and 'The importance of oral health for people experiencing SMI should be recognised in healthcare training, systems, and structures'.

Conclusion: This consensus statement urges researchers, services and policymakers to embrace a 5-year action plan to improve oral health for people with SMI.

Patient or public contribution: The team included people with lived experience of SMI, their carers/family members and mental and dental health service providers. They were involved in every stage of developing the consensus statement, from conception to development and dissemination.

Keywords: consensus statement; mental illness; oral health.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Structure of workshops for developing the consensus statement.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Themes from 9 April and 1 June 2021 meeting.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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