Theoretical and methodological approaches in designing, developing, and delivering interventions for oral health behaviour change

Your Teeth, You Are in Control: A Process Evaluation of the Implementation of a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Intervention for Reducing Child Dental Anxiety

AIM

To explore the views of patients, caregivers, and dental professionals on the factors that influence implementation, processes, and effectiveness of a guided self-help cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention, 'Your teeth, you are in control' (YTYAIC), in the CALM trial.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted as part of this qualitative component of the process evaluation, and data were analysed using a framework approach based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the Five Areas Model of CBT.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven participants were recruited. Potential mechanisms of action were identified using the Five Areas Model of CBT. Participants felt the intervention may exert change through targeting unhelpful thoughts and feelings (e.g., building trust and perceptions of control) and behaviours (e.g., encouraging effective communication and coping strategies) and facilitating a more positive situational context (e.g., developing more supportive relationships). Enablers (e.g., adaptability, design and delivery) and barriers (e.g., time/resource constraints, cost) to implementation were identified using the CFIR.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed multiple potential mechanisms of action which could reduce dental anxiety and examined how implementation and contextual factors may influence this change process. The results of the research revealed that the intervention could be implemented in primary dental care and identified the potential barriers which should be addressed to aid successful implementation of the intervention in real world contexts.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This clinical trial has been registered with an international registry and has been allocated an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN27579420).

Global collaborations to change the paradigm of oral health education and care: 2024 ADEA Annual Session Chair of the Board Symposium, Proceedings

The 2024 ADEA Annual Session Chair of the Board Symposium titled, Global Collaborations to Change the Paradigm in Oral Health Education and Care, aimed to highlight innovative global education models in oral health. The symposium sought to identify and explore opportunities for collaboration with international partners to ensure sustainable healthcare education to improve the oral health workforce. Additionally, it focused on discovering and adapting innovative solutions and best practices to enhance access to oral health services worldwide.

Scoping review of fidelity strategies used in behaviour change trials delivered in primary dental care settings

BACKGROUND

Primary dental care settings are strategically important locations where randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of behaviour change interventions (BCIs) can be tested to tackle oral diseases. Findings have so far produced equivocal results. Improving treatment fidelity is posed as a mechanism to improve scientific rigour, consistency and implementation of BCIs. The National Institutes of Health Behaviour Change Consortium (NIH BCC) developed a tool to assess and evaluate treatment fidelity in health behaviour change interventions, which has yet to be applied to the primary dental care BCI literature.

METHOD

We conducted a scoping review of RCTs delivered in primary dental care by dental team members (in real-world settings) between 1980 and 2023. Eligible studies were coded using the NIH BCC checklist to determine the presence of reported fidelity strategies across domains: design, training, delivery, receipt and enactment.

RESULTS

We included 34 eligible articles, reporting 21 RCTs. Fidelity reporting variations were found both between and within NIH BCC domains: strategy reporting ranged from 9.5 to 85.7% in design, 9.5 to 57.1% in training, 0 to 66.7% in delivery, 14.3 to 36.8% in receipt and 13.3 to 33.3% in enactment. The most reported domain was design (M = 0.45), and the least reported domain was delivery (M = 0.21). Only one study reported over 50% of the recommended strategies in every domain.

CONCLUSIONS

This review revealed inconsistencies in fidelity reporting with no evidence that fidelity guidelines or frameworks were being used within primary dental care trials. This has highlighted issues with interpretability, reliability and reproducibility of research findings. Recommendations are proposed to assist primary dental care trialists with embedding fidelity strategies into future research.

Are educational tools in oral health programs for pregnant women effective in improving the oral status of mothers and babies? A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To analyze, through a systematic review, the effectiveness of educational tools (ETs) in Oral Health Programs (OHPs) for pregnant women in improving their oral status and that of their babies.

METHOD

Searches were carried out in 5 electronic databases. Randomized (RCTs) and non-randomized clinical trials (CTs) were selected that included pregnant women exposed or not to ETs in OHPs, whose oral health status, in the pre- or postnatal period, or of their babies were verified. The types of ETs, outcomes, and results were extracted. Bias risk was assessed by ROBINS-I and RoB 2.0; and the certainty of the evidence (CE) by GRADE.

RESULTS

A total of nine studies were included. Most used more than one ET (n = 8), with verbal guidance used in all (n = 9). Mothers showed a reduction in biofilm (n = 3), caries (n = 4) and periodontitis (n = 4). All studies with babies (n = 3) were successful in preventing caries. RCTs (n = 3) were classified as low risk of bias (n = 1), with concerns (n = 1) and high risk of bias (n = 1). CTs (n = 6) presented risk of bias as low (n = 2), serious (n = 1) and critical (n = 3). Studies about caries in babies showed high CE, and those who evaluated caries and periodontal parameters/biofilm in the mother had moderate and low CE, respectively.

CONCLUSION

ETs as a strategy of OHPs for pregnant women can be effective in preventing caries in themselves and in their babies. However, despite the improvement of the mothers' oral hygiene and gingival condition, the CE was low considering this parameter.

Effects of self-management interventions based on the COM-B model on peri-implant condition in older adults with periodontitis: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the impact of self-management interventions based on the COM-B model on peri-implant conditions in older adults with periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (control group) received only an oral health education (OHE) pamphlet. Group 2 (test group) performed a self-management intervention based on the COM-B model. Each patient was examined for the most inflammatory implant. The measurement parameters included self-efficacy, self-management ability, and clinical indicators such as probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), modified gingival index (mGI), modified plaque index (mPI), and peri-implant mucositis severity score (PMSS). The data was collected at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

42 patients underwent testing for 3 months. After 12 weeks, the improvement of self-efficacy, self-management ability, and the reduction of BOP, mPI, and PMSS in the test group was significantly higher than in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that self-management interventions based on the COM-B model can enhance the self-management ability of older adults with periodontitis and reduce peri-implant inflammation. This method is more effective than distributing OHE pamphlets.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The randomized controlled clinical trial was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2400082660, Date: 03/04/2024).

A randomized controlled trial to assess parental satisfaction with computerized intraosseous anesthesia versus inferior alveolar nerve block in children

This study aimed to compare parental satisfaction between two pediatric dental anesthesia techniques, computerized intraosseous anesthesia (CIA) and inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). This study was designed as a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 52 parents of children undergoing dental treatment were enrolled in the study. Each participant received both CIA and IANB anesthesia, with the order of administration randomized. Parental satisfaction was evaluated using the parental satisfaction of dental local anesthetic techniques scale (PSLAS). Statistical analysis revealed that parental satisfaction regarding CIA was higher than that for IANB with a significant difference (P ˂ 0.05). However, there was no difference regarding the age, gender or the education level of the parents. (P > 0.05). This study provides insights into parental satisfaction with pediatric dental anesthesia techniques and highlights the influence of socioeconomic factors on anesthesia decision-making. Within the limitations of this trial, it was concluded that CIA was significantly superior to IANB in overall parental satisfaction. However, parental satisfaction values were lower in CIA group regarding costs and concern from complications. In addition, it was concluded that there was no difference in satisfaction levels regarding the gender, age and education level of the parents.

Adoption of New Oral Health Interventions in Primary Care: Qualitative Findings

Introduction

This is the first study to use the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation theory for oral health interventions in pediatric practices. The objective of this qualitative study was to assess adoption and implementation of theory-based multilevel oral health interventions, by clinicians (pediatricians and nurse practitioners) participating in a cluster randomized clinical trial, to create an oral health toolkit for widespread dissemination into pediatric practices.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted at the conclusion of the cluster randomized clinical trial with 21 clinicians from 9 practices participating in the intervention arm. Clinicians in this arm received Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation theory-based education and resources to deliver oral health interventions to parents/caregivers and document in electronic medical record. Semistructured interview questions were based on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, assessing adoption and implementation. The interviews were coded using NVivo (QRS International) software. Main themes were identified using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Five themes identified from the interviews included strengths of theory-based oral health training for clinicians, oral health resources to improve quality of care, considerations for efficient future implementation, financial considerations, and parent benefits and challenges. Clinicians found that the theory-based training and resources increased knowledge and confidence when addressing oral health with parents and required only ≤2 minutes in their workflow with no financial consequences. Clinicians reported an increase in oral health awareness among parents but suggested an overall need for more pediatric dentists.

Conclusions

The Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation theory-based education and resources were well received by clinicians and perceived to be beneficial without adverse impact on workflow or practice finances. An online toolkit is planned because these oral health interventions can be successfully implemented and delivered in medical settings.

Oral health experiences of people living with Parkinson's disease: a scoping review

Background and aim Parkinson's disease is the fastest growing and second most common progressive neurodegenerative condition in the UK; poised to represent a major societal and health care challenge. The scoping review aims to provide an overview of the literature on the oral health (OH) experiences of people living with Parkinson's, identifying current research gaps and future priorities.Method Search strategies included three electronic databases, two grey literature databases, relevant organisations, specialist journals and hand searching of the reference lists. A data extraction tool was developed and piloted.Results A total of 121 items were included in the review. Four themes were identified: OH impact, education and training, service delivery and wider impacts of OH for people with Parkinson's (PwP). The majority of studies included were cross-sectional in design, describing the OH status of PwP.Conclusion The majority of research to date has focused on OH impact. Areas for future research include use of qualitative studies exploring the experiences, attitudes and priorities of PwP and their care partners. Inclusion of medical, dental and allied health care professionals, together with people with lived experience, is required to develop, implement and evaluate interventions to support OH.

Treatment priorities and arrival time of traumatic dental injuries-An 8-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Most of the previous studies in the available literature discussed the time of arrival in general to the healthcare system, while a minority studied the relationship between the type of trauma and arrival. The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the arrival time of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) depending on the urgency of treatment according to Andreasen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This 8-year retrospective study was carried out at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University Dental Clinic in Zagreb, Croatia. Andreasen's classification was used to define the kind of TDI as well as to divide them by the need for urgent treatment or treatment priorities in three groups: acute, subacute, and delayed.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 1040 children (59% male and 41% female) with a median age of 7. Each year, the age group most affected by TDIs was 6-12 years old. While there is a general increase in the prevalence of TDIs overall, there is a decline in TDIs among children aged 6-12 and an increase among preschoolers and adolescents (below 6 and above 12 years old). Throughout the years, 52.73% red/acute and 41.16% yellow/subacute TDIs were not treated on time due to delayed arrival. More patients from Zagreb come in the first 24 h, while more patients from outside Zagreb come to the clinic a month or more after their injuries. Patients which suffered TDI accompanied with soft-tissue injury arrived sooner.

CONCLUSIONS

It is necessary to introduce monitoring and education of patients under the age of 6 and over 12, as well as their parents/caregivers. New programs should be implemented and new referent centers that specialize in treating TDIs outside of Zagreb should be established.

Dissemination and implementation research for oral and craniofacial health: Background, a review of literature and future directions

Oral conditions are highly prevalent globally and have profound consequence on individuals and communities. Clinical (e.g. dental treatments, behavioural counselling) and non-clinical (e.g. community-based programming, water fluoridation, oral health policy) evidence-based interventions have been identified, recommended and applied at the clinic, community and policy levels. Still, the burden of oral conditions persists, with inequitable distribution across populations. A major driver of this lack of progress is poor translation of research findings, which results in an evidence-to-practice gap. Dissemination and implementation science (DIS) has emerged to address this gap. A relatively new field, application of DIS represents an important avenue for achieving good dental, oral and craniofacial health for all. The goal of this introductory article is to provide a brief background on DIS relevant to researchers in dentistry and oral health. The problem of knowledge translation, basic concepts and terminology in DIS, and approaches to doing dissemination and implementation research-including implementation strategies, key outcomes, and implementation theories, models and frameworks-are discussed. Additionally, the article reviews literature applying DIS to dentistry and oral health. Results of published studies and their implications for the field are presented. Drawing on the literature review and contemporary thinking in DIS, current gaps, opportunities and future directions are discussed. Resources for understanding and applying DIS are provided throughout. This article serves as a primer on DIS for dental and oral health researchers of all types working across a range of contexts; it also serves as a call to action for increased application of DIS to address the burden of oral conditions globally.

Behavioural and cognitive-behavioural theories in oral health research: Current state and future directions

OBJECTIVES

Behavioural and cognitive-behavioural theories, models and frameworks have been incorporated for decades in behavioural and social oral health sciences, oral health care, and education of dentists, hygienists, and other oral healthcare professionals.

METHODS

While a myriad of these conceptualizations have been incorporated in this work, there are six of them that have had the greatest impact in the oral health arena: (a) Health Belief Model; (b) Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behavior and Integrated Behavioral Model, which are considered in unison; (c) Social Learning Theory and Social Cognitive Theory which are considered together; (d) Transtheoretical Model/Stages of Change Model; (e) Salutogenesis Model/Theory and Sense of Coherence Framework; and the (f) Behavior Change Wheel, Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior Model and Theoretical Domains Framework, which are categorized together.

RESULTS

An analysis of nomenclature (i.e. theories, models, frameworks and conceptualizations) is provided in the context of a description of each of these theories and models, with discussion about their aspects that particularly relate to oral health. Additionally, a quantitative, longitudinal view is provided of the frequency of use of these theories and models in the oral health arena. Given the benefits of theory-based intervention development, dissemination and implementation, it is important to consider these theories and models in a collective context.

CONCLUSIONS

At a basic level, these theories and models help in identifying and acting on mechanisms, both of behaviour itself and behaviour change. Future directions are discussed in terms of need for theory evolution and development.