This dissertation highlights the importance of oral care in the treatment of young adults with psychotic disorders, with particular attention to the role of mental health nurses. The research shows that patients experiencing their first psychosis often struggle with poor oral health due to various risk factors, such as reduced self-care, psychological symptoms, and socioeconomic constraints. Mental health nurses, who are expected to provide holistic care, often do not prioritize oral health care as their primary duty.
This dissertation includes personal experiences from patients who initially report satisfaction with their oral health but soon observe a decline. Key risk factors identified include tobacco use, a sugar-rich diet, and limited access to dental care. It is noted that the quality of life, in terms of oral health, is significantly lower in this group, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
The research maps out various interventions from the existing literature and develops a new tool in part III of the dissertation. This tool is designed to increase awareness and knowledge among mental health nurses through a brochure with a screener. The feasibility of this brochure has been positively received in practice, providing a foundation for further development of interventions.
This work underscores the importance of a proactive approach by mental head nurses in the oral care of patients with an initial psychosis and highlights the necessity of integrating oral health care within the broader mental health care practice. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of the developed tool and its long-term effects on both oral health and overall health outcomes for the patients.