Projects
036 - How dental teams support sugars reduction by adolescents in the dental practice: a qualitative exploration
- Chief Investigator A: Prof Paula Moynihan
- Chief Investigator B: Dr Wendy Cheung
- Associate Investigators: Reyna Nambi Subramaniyan
Introduction
Dental caries affects an estimated 3.1 billion people worldwide. The global prevalence of dental caries in permanent teeth of children is 53.8%. Despite such high levels of caries globally, it is a preventable disease and the most prevalent non-communicable disease. Exposure to dietary sugars are the direct cause of caries.
Aims
- To explore the attitudes, practices and knowledge of dental teams in supporting adolescent patients to reduce free sugars intake within the context of a healthier diet
- To explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the ability of dental practitioners to support patients to reduce their free sugars intake
Rationale
High levels of dental caries in children throughout the world is a significant cause of concern, as dental caries is a cumulative and progressive disease. In order to reduce the risk of tooth decay in adulthood, the best approach is to reduce the prevalence of dental caries in children. There is evidence that supports the relationship between the amount of sugars consumed and the development of dental caries when frequency of intake is controlled. There is currently insufficient literature about the attitudes of dental practitioners towards supporting their patients’ to reduce their intake of sugars, as well as potential barriers and facilitators that may influence the ability of dental practitioners in reducing their patients’ sugars intake.
Methodology
Participants will be invited to join a discussion as part of a focus group about their knowledge, attitudes and practices in supporting adolescent patients to reduce their consumption of sugars. The focus group discussions should take around one hour and will occur via Zoom. The Zoom discussion will be audio-recorded and transcribed for later analysis.
What are the expected outcomes?
It is anticipated this project will underpin the efforts of dental teams in supporting adolescent patients reduce their sugars intake.
