The oral health of children undergoing ENT surgery v.0.8
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The oral health of children undergoing a general anaesthetic for ENT surgery: A cross-sectional study
IRAS ID
319636
Contact name
Richard Balmer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 28 days
Research summary
The highest causes of hospital admissions amongst children respectively are for the treatment of dental decay (caries) and ear, nose and throat (ENT) problems, specifically recurrent acute tonsillitis. Both conditions have shared risk factors including socioeconomic deprivation and obesity, and often require intervention under general anaesthetic within a similar age group.
The NHS Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) report highlights the need to co-ordinate children's treatment to avoid numerous general anaesthetics (GAs) and hospital admissions.
The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the oral health of children undergoing general anaesthetic (GA) for treatment of ENT problems compared to national survey figures. This project will also assess the past dental experience of children undergoing GA for treatment of ENT problems and evaluate the future dental GA needs of this cohort. This will inform our understanding of the epidemiology of dental disease and its risk factors to help with planning future healthcare pathways.
We want to assess the participants' oral health using a simple index to measure the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth for baby teeth (dmft) and adult teeth (DMFT). We will also record the adult first molars, which are not fully mineralised (hypomineralised). This can be recorded by a quick clinical examination.
The prevalence of dental caries and molar hypomineralisation within the study population will be compared respectively to the Yorkshire and Humber regional prevalence identified by the national survey and the prevalence of MIH in northern England.
Findings will be analysed and reported in the project write-up. The planned dissemination of the research is through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at an international conference.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
24/NI/0026
Date of REC Opinion
4 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion