An investigation of parents' attitudes to dental health and school dental screening.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate factors that influence parental responses to school dental screening and dental care for their children. The expectations were that this study would aid reforms to the dental screening service.

RESEARCH DESIGN

The study utilised qualitative research methodology involving a series of discussion groups.

PARTICIPANTS

Groups were conducted amongst parents who resided in a deprived area of Manchester and whose children had recently undergone school dental screening.

RESULTS

During analysis two distinct groups of parents emerged. The first group were regular asymptomatic attenders, however attitudes towards school dental screening and their subsequent behaviour differed within the group. The second group were irregular symptomatic attenders, there were also differences of opinion and behaviour towards school dental screening in this group. For each group there were distinct factors that formed the parent's response to school dental screening and attitudes to their child's dental attendance.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of parents supported school dental screening and some relied solely on screening as the source of dental care for their children. There was a degree of confusion as to who provided the service and some criticism of the communication about screening. This could result in conflict with GDPs and undermining of faith in the profession. Some parents considered dental health to be the responsibility of the child and the profession once children had reached the age of seven or so.