New Tool P-DEQ: Understanding Denture Wearers’ Experience

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new patient-focused tool to better understand the lived experience of individuals wearing removable partial dentures. The tool, known as the Partial Denture Experience Questionnaire (P-DEQ), was introduced in a study published in the journal Gerodontology and captures not only the clinical outcomes of denture treatment but also its broader emotional and social impacts.

A Collaborative Effort

The development of the P-DEQ was a collaborative effort involving researchers from the University of Sheffield, Queen’s University Belfast, Haleon, and the University of Lincoln.

Beyond Clinical Assessments

Traditional dental research has largely focused on technical measures such as denture fit and stability. However, the P-DEQ represents a shift toward understanding oral health through the lens of everyday life. The questionnaire is guided by the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), which emphasizes the interaction between health conditions, a person’s environment, and their social participation.

The “Paradox of Positive Health”

A distinctive feature of the P-DEQ is its attempt to measure what researchers describe as the “paradox of positive health.” Alongside identifying common difficulties associated with dentures, the tool also captures positive outcomes such as improved appearance, increased self-confidence, and the ability to speak or smile comfortably in public.

Emotional Impact of Denture Use

The research places particular emphasis on the emotional aspects of denture use. The P-DEQ includes an “Emotional Function” component, exploring feelings such as self-consciousness, anxiety about being seen without dentures, and the sense of reassurance a new prosthesis can provide. By foregrounding these experiences, the team aims to highlight the often-overlooked emotional dimension of oral health care.

Future Implications

“Once fully refined, we hope the P-DEQ will become a robust tool for tracking patient experiences over time,” said Barry Gibson, Professor in Medical Sociology at the University of Sheffield. “this could help clinicians tailor treatments more effectively and ensure care better reflects the real needs of the millions of people living with tooth loss.”

Source: Medical Xpress