Affiliation:
1. Department of Periodontology Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
2. Clinic of Periodontics, Public Dental Service Region Västra Götaland Gothenburg Sweden
3. The Public Dental Health Service Competence Centre of Northern Norway (TkNN) Tromsø Norway
4. Department of Education, Communication and Learning, Faculty of Education University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
5. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
Abstract
AbstractObjectivesTo explore dental hygienists' (DHs') views on (i) a person‐centred, theory‐based, behavioural intervention for improving oral hygiene among adolescents and (ii) professional and organizational factors to consider in the implementation of such an intervention in daily dental practice.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 DHs who had applied the person‐centred, theory‐based, behavioural intervention directed at adolescents with poor oral hygiene in a field study within the Public Dental Service, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden. The interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe main theme ‘From individual experts to partners – DHs changing direction from a disease‐centred towards a person‐centred approach’ illustrated a changed professional approach among DHs, from exerting their roles as experts to encouraging partnership in treatment by supporting the adolescents in taking health behavioural decisions and responsibility for their oral health. The DHs considered the changed approach as challenging, but also more enjoyable, compared to conventional information/instruction. Adequate knowledge and skills, personal interest and willingness for a change as well as support from colleagues and clinic management were identified as prerequisites for implementing the person‐centred, theory‐based, behavioural intervention in daily practice, while the expenditure of time needed in relation to economic demands in care were seen as barriers.ConclusionsThe findings elucidate that DHs considered the application of a person‐centred, theory‐based, behavioural intervention to be challenging but also enjoyable. For such an intervention to be implemented in daily practice, prerequisites and barriers need to be considered on both personal/professional and organizational levels.
Funder
Forskningsrådet om Hälsa, Arbetsliv och Välfärd
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