'It's their mouth at the end of the day': dental professionals' reactions to oral health education outcomes

Abstract

Introduction Research has established varying levels of efficacy of oral health education (OHE) efforts. However, little is known regarding how outcomes impact dental professionals and their OHE practice. This study explores dental professionals' reactions to varying OHE outcomes and their motivations to persist with their efforts.Methods Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with dental team members working in mainly NHS general dental practices in South Wales, UK. Interviews were conducted face-to-face pre-COVID-19 and then by telephone, transcribed and analysed thematically.Results In total, 30 interviews were conducted (17 dentists, 6 dental therapists and 7 dental nurses). Pleasure was gained from improved patient oral health. Responses to non-adherence included disappointment, frustration and acceptance. Acceptance centred around a shared responsibility for oral care between clinician and patient and reassurance that they had 'done their job'. The unpredictability of patient adherence aided OHE motivation; efforts might eventually inspire patient action or might align with patient readiness to change.Conclusions This study reveals how OHE outcomes impact on dental professionals' perceptions of their role and personal motivations for continued educational efforts with patients. Greater emphasis on both preventative dentistry and self-care, coupled with understanding of the complex factors influencing oral health behaviour, would aid motivation for OHE.

Experiences of newly qualified dentists in delivering oral health advice to parents/caregivers of young children—challenges and solutions

“…Indeed, in the Humphreys et al (33) paper on Foundation Dentists experiences of delivering oral health education to adult patients, participants reported that they felt it was impossible to change patients' behaviours and there was little dental practitioners could do to influence change. This finding has been even further borne out by the findings of Barnes et al (6) who reported that dental practitioners motivation to maintain oral health education was largely dictated by the outcomes of these interactions with non-compliance by patients leading to frustration and disappointment. Foundation Dentists described parents/caregivers who were not engaging in an oral health conversation as being unmotivated.…”

“…This reflects the concept of proportionate universalism in that health services need to be universal but resourced and delivered at a scale and intensity proportionate to the level of need (5). Indeed, several authors have recently argued that to improve oral health, effective oral health education and interventions are needed and that general dental practices are key in facilitating and reinforcing prevention in the community (6)(7)(8)(9)(10). As such, they advocate greater equity in dental care access, training to develop a targeted behavioural approach towards those with the greatest needs, greater engagement with users in delivery, and clear and consistent oral health messages.…”