Establishment of prevention: what do dentists in northern Germany suggest?

OBJECTIVE

Dentists' suggestions for the establishment of preventive care were investigated on 3 levels; dentist, dental associations and unions (DAU), and health care system (HCS). Associations between categories of suggestions and dentists' characteristics were explored.

METHODS

A postal survey was sent to 2,075 dentists practicing in Bremen and Lower Saxony. The answers on 3 open-ended questions were analysed in a qualitative manner based on the quality control protocol (QCP) of the Federal Joint Committee. Quantitative methods were used for exploring associations between categories of suggestions and gender as well as age.

RESULTS

Response rate was 33% (n=685). Dentists made 2,120 suggestions (dentist=752, DAU= 574, HCS= 794). The majority of dentists (90%) suggested educating and motivating patients. Dentists stated that support from DAU is needed in educating the public (50%), offering preventive-oriented training (35%), and in advertising for prophylaxis (18%). On the HCS level, about 60% of the suggestions concerned remunerating prophylaxis and expanding the existing bonus system. Significantly more female (p=0.010) and younger dentists (p=0.031) contributed to educating patients than male and older dentists.

CONCLUSION

Education is the key message of this work. Essential topics such as prevention for elderly and risk groups were not a focal point. Education on the DAU and HCS levels can be realised through organising nation-wide health campaigns. Funding options for prevention and regulating multidisciplinary work between dentists and other health-care providers should be examined. These changes can contribute enormously to further establish prevention.