Evaluation of a paediatric dental screening service for children with congenital cardiac conditions

A dental screening service for children deemed at risk of developing infective endocarditis was developed by the paediatric dental team at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. The dental team attended outpatient cardiac clinics to undertake dental screenings while providing appropriate preventive advice and (if necessary) referral for specialist dental treatment, in compliance with Congenital Heart Disease Standards and Specifications. A total of 288 patients had dental screenings over an 18-month period. The patients and parents were shown to have insufficient knowledge regarding oral health, and were recommended oral health habits. Around 10% of patients required referral for urgent treatment in the paediatric dental centre.