Evaluation and Impact of an Oral Health Education Program in a Mental Health Inpatient Setting

Evaluation and Impact of an Oral Health Education Program in a Mental Health Inpatient Setting

Evaluation and Impact of an Oral Health Education Program in a Mental Health Inpatient Setting


Luke Di Paolo & Margo Reilly

Windsor Regional Hospital & Windsor Family Health Teams


FUNDER: Tayfour-Emara Excellence in Research & Education Fund

DURATION: 2024-2025

Related Programs:
Nucleus Cores:

Oral health is crucial for overall well-being, yet individuals with psychiatric disorders often experience severe dental issues exacerbated by medication-induced xerostomia and avoidant behaviours towards oral care. Socioeconomic factors and gender differences further impact oral health, with disadvantaged groups facing greater barriers to dental care. Despite the recognized link between mental and oral health, reserach on effective oral health interventions in inpatient settings remains limited. To address this gap, Windsor Regional Hospital implemented Windsor Family Health Team's Oral Education program in December 2022 within its acute care mental health unit, aiming to provide tailored interventions directly to patients. This project will evaluate the program's impact on patients' oral health knowledge, behaviours, and quality of life over time, considering variations across different mental health conditions and socio-demographic factors. Anticipated results include a clearer understanding of the program's effectiveness, identification of potential enhancements, and development of informed policy recommendations to better integrate oral health into patient care. 

This poster was presented by Connor Ranieri and Jaclyn Sorge at the 2025 WE-SPARK Health Research Conference in March 2025. 

This poster was presented by members of the research team at the National Public Health 2025 Convention in Winnipeg, Manitoba (April 2025). 


Members of the research team also presented at the Ontario Public Health Convention (TOPHC) in April 2025. 

Co-Investigators:

Windsor Family Health Team (WFHT)

  • Jennifer Ridsdale
  • Nesya Walls

Windsor Regional Hospital

  • Rio Anzolin 
  • Grace Park

Collaborators:

Windsor Regional Hospital

  • Gina Bulcke
  • Erica Figgins
  • Jonathan Foster

University of Windsor

  • Rija Fatima
  • Lara Kashash
  • Aimal Memon
  • Connor Ranieri
  • Jaclyn Sorge
  • Aida Taherkermani

St. Clair College

  • Caroline Bemben
  • Carmen Clayton
  • Dr. Stephanie De Francheschi
  • Dr. Kharmi Dhillon
  • Abigail Kenney
  • Leslie Morneau
  • Jessica Norman
  • David Potocek
  • Terri Smith
  • Rosemarie Turton

Individual Contributors - Statistics

  • Jessica Flammia
  • Emma Mineau
  • Hillary Peladeau
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