Recognition Gap in “Occlusion Treatment” Evident Between Patients and Dentists

JAPAN: A recent questionnaire survey conducted by the medical corporation Yugokai, which oversees the Takanawa Clinic, sheds light on a significant recognition gap between patients and dentists concerning “occlusion treatment.” 

The survey aimed to gauge the awareness and understanding of occlusion, a critical aspect of dental treatment, among both patients undergoing dental care and dental practitioners.

Background of the Survey

The survey was undertaken in light of the increasing interest in orthodontic and aesthetic treatments to improve appearance, likely influenced by the evolving perception of mask-wearing as a preventive measure against new coronavirus infections. 

In dental care, the focus extends beyond aesthetics and pain relief; maintaining a healthy occlusion, or “correct bite,” is particularly crucial. Problems with occlusion can lead to various dental and health issues, including tooth wear, temporomandibular joint disorder, difficulties in chewing, headaches, and even posture-related problems.

Survey Overview and Results

The survey was conducted on the internet from February 6 to February 7, 2023. It involved 504 individuals undergoing dental treatment and 509 dentists who responded to the questionnaire. The key findings of the survey are as follows:

Approximately 30% of patients had their occlusion examined in detail.

About half of the patients perceived their occlusion as being bad to some extent, with 36.9% believing it was slightly bad and 8.9% considering it very bad.

Around 60% of patients expressed a desire to undergo occlusion treatment in the future, indicating a significant interest in addressing their occlusion concerns.

Nearly 90% of dentists reported having the opportunity to learn about occlusion during their education, but there were indications of a gap in the depth of knowledge provided.

Approximately 92% of dentists expressed confidence in their ability to conduct occlusal examinations, diagnosis, and treatment.

Bridging the Information Gap

The survey findings revealed a stark difference between patients’ concerns about their occlusion and dentists’ level of confidence in providing occlusion treatment. 

Only about 30% of patients received a detailed examination of their occlusion, indicating a potential lack of information provided by dentists to the general public regarding dental practice.

Chairman Koichi Aida of the medical corporation Yugokai shared insights on occlusion through “Camsil“, a media platform. The Takanawa Clinic Group aims to address this information gap by actively disseminating important knowledge about occlusion to the public, thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of individuals.

Efforts to facilitate communication between patients and dentists, such as the provision of a direct consultation window with dentists on LINE, are also underway through “Camusir.”

The results of this comprehensive survey highlight the importance of improving patient awareness and understanding of occlusion treatment and fostering better communication between patients and dental professionals to ensure the best possible dental care outcomes.