A qualitative investigation of the perceived barriers to and inducements for the early registration of infants with general dental practitioners

Morrison, J. J., Macpherson, L. M.D. and Binnie, V. I. (2000) A qualitative investigation of the perceived barriers to and inducements for the early registration of infants with general dental practitioners. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education, 38(1), pp. 4-9. (doi: 10.1080/14635240.2000.10806122)

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the attitudes of parents of young children (a) to the concept of early dental registration, (b) to any incentives that could be offered to induce them to register their offspring, and (c) to any perceived barriers they felt discouraged them from so doing. The study was qualitative in nature and used focus groups, comprising parents of pre-school children in three Scottish Health Board areas. The study found little awareness of the recommendation that infants could, and should, be registered at six months. The barriers to early registration which emerged from discussion were the perceived attitudes of dental practitioners to infants, the physical accessibility of dental practices, and the attitude of the parents, especially if they had a fear of dentistry themselves. Discussions on incentives revealed a mixed reaction, with comments ranging from enthusiastic to hostile. The findings demonstrate the need for a consistent, clear message from dental and other healthcare professionals in relation to the promotion of early dental registration. Campaigns to encourage such registration should be preceded by background research to determine what would be acceptable to the families of infants, and should use appropriate marketing and promotion strategies. Postgraduate training in behavioural techniques, particularly in relation to young children, could be of benefit to dental practitioners.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Binnie, Dr Vivian and Macpherson, Professor Lorna
• Authors: Morrison, J. J., Macpherson, L. M.D., and Binnie, V. I.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: International Journal of Health Promotion and Education
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 1463-5240
• ISSN (Online): 2164-9545