Title: The psychosocial impact of oral conditions during transition to secondary education
Abstract: Aim Transition to secondary education is a significant life
event. Little is known about the impact of oro-facial conditions
during this time and how concerns may contribute as a
risk factor to negative adaptation. The aim of the study was
to explore experiences of young people with oro-facial conditions
as they undergo the transition to secondary education.
Study Design Qualitative interview and diary study.
Methods Participants were children aged 11-12 years with a
range of clinical conditions who attended a dental hospital.
Participants completed a two-week diary during the transition
and were interviewed about the diary and their experiences.
The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim.
Results Seventeen participants returned the diary and were
interviewed; they described both changes in school environment
and social interactions. A key finding was the concerns
about aspects of themselves that children developed during
this time. For some young people these concerns were about
their oro-facial condition. No links between gender, severity
of condition and experiences of school were apparent.
Conclusion Transition to secondary education affected
young people to varying degrees. Timely treatment for those
concerned about the condition of their teeth may improve the
likelihood of positive adaptation.