Related resources
Search for item elsewhere
University researcher(s)
Academic department(s)
Exploring the content of the advice provided by general dental practitioners to help prevent caries in young children.
Threlfall A, Milsom K, Hunt CM, Tickle M, Blinkhorn AS
Br Dent J. 2007;.
Access to files
Full-text and supplementary files are not available from Manchester eScholar. Use our list of Related resources to find this item elsewhere. Alternatively, request a copy from the Library's Document supply service.
Abstract
Objectives To increase understanding about the content of preventive advice and care offered by general dental practitioners to 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 Preventive advice given to parents of young children is usually about sugar consumption and tooth brushing behaviour but the emphasis and specific messages provided varies among general dental practitioners. Use of fluorides varied considerably, suggesting that some dentists either have reservations or are unclear about the appropriate use of fluorides. The study indicates important variation in the content of preventive care.Conclusion There is important variation in the approach of general dental practitioners to the core activity of preventing caries in young children and some views expressed are not supported by the evidence base.