Exploring factors that influence general dental practitioners when providing advice to help prevent caries in children.

OBJECTIVE

To increase understanding about how and to whom general dental practitioners provide preventive advice to reduce caries in young children.

DESIGN

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

SETTING

The North West of England. Interviews took place between March and September 2003.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Ninety-three general dental practitioners practising within the general dental service were interviewed about the care they provide to young children. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using a constant comparative method.

RESULTS

Children with caries were more likely to be questioned about diet and oral hygiene and if dentists believed parents to be motivated they were more inclined to spend time providing advice. Most dentists seemed to believe that education was the key to preventing caries and gave preventive advice in the form of a short educative talk. There was little use of visual aids or material for parents to take home.

CONCLUSION

Preventive advice is given in an ad hoc way with no formal targeting. Most dentists deliver preventive advice as a short educative talk with no props or additional materials. Use of visual aids, providing materials for parents to take home and greater emphasis on partnership might help improve the impact of advice.