Table 2 Summary of parental views on different OHP initiatives
From: Parenting and oral health in an inner-city environment: a qualitative pilot study
OHP initiative | Level of parental support High = Majority support Medium = Support for initiative, with caveats Low = Lack of overall support | Summary of parental views |
|---|---|---|
Improving oral health | ||
Fluoride Varnish Schemes | High | • Lack of awareness of fluoride varnish amongst the majority of parents • Most parents supported idea after initiative summarised • Parents keen for implementation via schools rather than in the community. |
School-based toothbrushing clubs | Medium | • Most parents felt initiative would help busy parents • Concerns about infection control amongst parents with highest levels of health awareness • Some concerns about potential for disruption on lessons. • Many parents reported more problems with toothbrushing at weekends (due to loss of normal routine) than during school-days |
School dental education sessions | Medium | • Likely to have an impact as children more receptive to information delivered by external speakers (e.g. dentists, dental nurses/hygienists, dental students) than their parents • Sessions must be interactive to engage pupils • Sessions will only have a transient effect if parents are not sufficiently involved |
Dental education sessions for parents | Medium | • Parents are always keen for information that may benefit that child’s health and wellbeing • Lack of time to attend during working-hours • Community drop-in sessions suggested, but may not attract many parents |
Healthy eating initiatives in schools | High | • Concern about unhealthy school dinners and use of sweets/chocolates to reward pupils • Initiative does not target fast-food outlets in close proximity to local schools |
Increasing uptake of dental care | ||
School-based dental screening | High | • The only method of ensuring all children are seen by a dentist • UK-raised parents who recalled dental screening in their childhoods very supportive of reintroduction |
Distribution of dental passports | High | • Simple but effective method, as frames dental visits in a positive way • Distribution through schools is easiest method |
Text message reminders | High | • Would encourage preventive dental care • Should come via schools, as many already operate a text messaging service |