Table 3 Description of themes identifies in thematic analysis of participants responses
Theme | Sub-themes | Theme summary |
|---|---|---|
Knowledge, ideas and concepts of health promotion | Health education is seen as the main part of health promotion within dentistry This reliance on behavioural approaches and information giving could be attributed to dental professionals feeling more competent in health education rather than other health promotion strategies There has been a shift towards prevention in the dental profession however, this is still some work to be done in the space Health promotion strategies that could be implemented in practice include utilising social media platforms | |
Challenges to health promotion | Structural Resources Personal Cultural | Current structure of dental practice is focussed more on the biomedical model rather than preventative model of health Dental and other health professionals work in silos which creates a barrier for collaboration Clinical work is the main priority due to the funding model of dental care There is a lack of funding towards health promotion by governments and private health insurance This lack of funding means there is limited time for dental professionals to spend on health promotion There is a low value placed on the importance of health promotion by both patients and managers of dental practice There is a prestige around restorative dental work, but the same cannot be said about health promotion A change in culture away from the biomedical/curative approach is needed This change needs to happen at a range of levels for how dental practice is structured to the education of dental professionals at university |
Opportunities for health promotion practice | Collaboration Common risk factor approach Capacity building | Risk factors of oral disease are shared with other health conditions so there is an opportunity to join forces with other health professionals to address these Multidisciplinary practice is an opportunity that needs to be capitalised on in the dental field. This needs to occur both within the clinical environment and outside of the clinic Dental professionals need to also collaborate with key members of the community |