ArticleJDR clinical and translational research2024
A Qualitative Study on Dentists' Communication Approaches in Managing Fluoride-Hesitant Caregivers.
Article in JDR clinical and translational research, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- De-Implementing Low-Value Care in Dentistry: The Case for Choosing Wisely Campaigns.Community dentistry and oral epidemiology · 2026Article
- Navigating fluoride hesitancy: mapping the evidence base for fluoride-free toothpaste alternatives.European journal of pediatrics · 2026Review
- Topical fluoride hesitancy and opposition are significantly and positively associated: A cross-sectional study.PloS one · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
Abstract
objectivesGuidelines on effective provider-led communication are available but may be underused in dentistry, even if such guidelines could help dentists manage complex clinical scenarios like topical fluoride hesitancy. The purpose of this study was to investigate current chairside communication approaches used by dentists with fluoride-hesitant caregivers.
methodsA 27-item semistructured interview script was developed and pretested with 3 dentists, revised, and finalized. One-on-one interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of pediatric dentists and general dentists from April to June 2020. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify dentists' communication approaches used during clinical interactions with fluoride-hesitant caregivers. Thematic analyses identified themes and subthemes, and exemplary quotes were provided to illustrate each theme.
resultsTwenty-seven dentists participated (21 pediatric dentists and 6 general dentists). The mean age of participants was 43.0 ± 8.2 y (range, 30-73). Most participants were women (88.9%), white (51.9%), and non-Hispanic (85.2%). Participants had been practicing dentistry for a mean of 13.2 ± 10.5 y (range, 2-40). There were 4 themes: leaving topical fluoride decisions completely up to the caregiver, educating the caregiver about fluoride, insisting that the caregiver accept fluoride, and engaging the caregiver and child.
conclusionMost communications approaches used by interviewed dentists to manage fluoride hesitancy in clinical settings are not evidence based. Future dental education efforts should ensure that trainees are exposed to and can demonstrate competency in appropriate, evidence-based patient-provider communication strategies. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: The study highlights the need for dentists to apply evidence-based communication strategies when managing difficult clinical scenarios like fluoride hesitancy, which is important in optimizing dentist-patient trust.
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