Lack of patient interest, perceived or real, has been cited as a barrier to OHE for dental professionals. 12, 13, 14, 15 Negative outcomes may also influence dental professionals' perceptions of patients. 11 Conversely, frustration from poor outcomes following OHE activity have been noted to impact on some dental professionals' satisfaction with their work, their perceptions of OHE efficacy, the motivation to provide it and it's effectiveness. Positive patient outcomes following OHE have been identified as a source of personal satisfaction for dental professionals owing to a concern for their patients' best interests and also as a reassurance of their own skills and good practice. 10 referred to as 'teachable moments' may arise during the dental examination, such as the identification of tooth staining or tooth loss, which provide an opportunity to discuss smoking cessation. Both parties should then agree a mutually acceptable and practical pathway (for example, an amended cleaning regime, or referral to a smoking cessation programme) for the patient to follow. 8 During this interaction, the patient can gain understanding of the preventable causes of oral diseases and the dental professional can discuss ways to modify factors in the patients' behaviours (for example, toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste) or lifestyle (for example, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol intake, or reducing sugar in their diet) that may lead to oral disease. OHE provides an opportunity for a conversation between the dental professional and the patient which aims to offer knowledge and change attitudes and behaviours. OHE interventions typically address the lifestyle-related, common, oral health risk factors for dental caries, periodontal disease and oral cancer. 7 This paper addresses the effect of patient outcomes following OHE on dental professionals. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6When such complex factors are not reflected on by dental professionals, if patients do not follow advice, for whatever reason, it may lead to disappointment and scepticism for future attempts. 1 However, the factors that influence oral health behaviour, OHE interactions and their outcomes are complex. Re-orientation of dentistry towards prevention is leading to greater emphasis on attempts to encourage patient self-care through oral health education (OHE) in general dental practice. 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. The unpredictability of patient adherence aided OHE motivation efforts might eventually inspire patient action or might align with patient readiness to change.Ĭonclusions This study reveals how OHE outcomes impact on dental professionals' perceptions of their role and personal motivations for continued educational efforts with patients. Acceptance centred around a shared responsibility for oral care between clinician and patient and reassurance that they had 'done their job'. Responses to non-adherence included disappointment, frustration and acceptance. Pleasure was gained from improved patient oral health. Results In total, 30 interviews were conducted (17 dentists, 6 dental therapists and 7 dental nurses). Interviews were conducted face-to-face pre-COVID-19 and then by telephone, transcribed and analysed thematically. Methods Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with dental team members working in mainly NHS general dental practices in South Wales, UK. This study explores dental professionals' reactions to varying OHE outcomes and their motivations to persist with their efforts. However, little is known regarding how outcomes impact dental professionals and their OHE practice. Introduction Research has established varying levels of efficacy of oral health education (OHE) efforts.
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