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.

1. DoH Research Training Fellow, Chester & Halton Community Trust, Oral Health Unit, National Primary Care R&D Centre, School of Dentistry, University of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester, M15 6FH
2. Consultant in Dental Public Health, Chester & Halton Community Trust, Oral Health Unit, National Primary Care R&D Centre, School of Dentistry, University of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester, M15 6FH
3. Project Officer, Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Booth Street West, Manchester, M15 6PB
4. Professor of Dental Public Health & Primary Care, School of Dentistry, The University of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester, M15 6FH
5. Professor of Oral Health, Oral Health Unit, National Primary Care R&D Centre, School of Dentistry, University of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester, M15 6FH

Correspondence to: M. Tickle⁴ e-mail: martin.tickle@manchester.ac.uk