322 - Enhancing Inter-professional Collaboration Between The Orthodontist and The Speech and Language Pathologist

Abstract:

Purpose: Interdisciplinary clinical cooperation is especially effective between dentistry and
speech pathology who have the task of treating disorders originating in the stomatognathic
system. However, most dentists have difficulties about which cases need speech therapy and the
appropriate time to require it, so does the speech language pathology in concerning to dentistry.
The purpose of this mixed methods study is to analyze interprofessional collaboration between
Speech Language Pathologists and dentists in residency training .

Methods: A cohort of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Residents (n=24) participated in an
hour- long training module presented by a graduate student and Professor of Speech Language
Pathology (SLP). A pre-test and post-test assessment- the Interdisciplinary Education Perception
Scale- was distributed to each participant for review and completion. Participants were assessed
on prior knowledge, knowledge post- training, level of understanding of SLP role in healthcare
as well as an understanding of when, how, and the types of patient cases to refer.

Results: Findings indicate consistent lack of confidence among both specialty cohorts. 50% of
the orthodontists in the study group had an inter-professional relationship with a speech-language
pathologist compared to 0% of pediatric dentistry residents. Post-survey responses indicated
100% increased knowledge of the role SLP. Pre-survey results indicate both specialty groups are
generally not comfortable diagnosing speech and language pathology disorders.

Conclusion: Based upon education provided on speech pathology disorders and the role of SLP,
dental specialty residents gained a better appreciation for and increased confidence
comprehensively treating their patient and issuing SLP referrals.

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