Allen, Tammy, Furler, Donna, Drury, Lauren, Pinese, Cameron, and Singh, Harmohan (2016) Barriers and enablers to conducting health promotion in private dental practice. In: [Presented at the 23rd National Conference of the Australian Health Promotion Association]. From: 23rd National Conference of the Australian Health Promotion Association, 19-22 June 2016, Perth, WA, Australia.

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Abstract

Theme: This study 'connects the dots' by using research to inform contemporary health promotion practice in the dentistry field. The findings acknowledge the importance of dentists re-orientating their practice to take more of a preventative approach to addressing oral health issues. The study explores barriers and enablers to conducting health promotion strategies and suggests recommendations to addressing these barriers. This study 'matters' due to the large oral health burden in Australia and the important role dentists play in helping to address this issue.

What is the aim of your project or research? This research reports on findings from a qualitative research project exploring the perceptions of private practice dentists towards implementing health promotion strategies in their practice. This study was conducted in Cairns, Queensland.

Challenges of issue or topic of concern Poor oral health is a significant public health concern in Australia. Dentists play an important role, however their role traditionally focuses on curative/restorative treatment rather than health promotion, particularly primary prevention.

What did you do? Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with private practice dentists in Cairns, Australia. Questions were based on broad themes to explore dentists experience, perceived barriers and enablers to conducting health promotion.

What were the outcomes? Dentists had diverse views and experiences of incorporating health promotion in their practice. Lack of funds and time were perceived to be key barriers whereas owning a practice, appropriate skills, capacity and proactive auxiliary staff were key enablers for health promotion to occur.

Why does it matter? Poor oral health can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Oral diseases can be prevented through a range of health promotion strategies. This research makes a difference to the community as it engages dentists in identifying opportunities to overcome some of the barriers to conducting health promotion in their practice. These opportunities can be advocated for at a policy level, and can also considered at a university curriculum level to optimise the training and skills dentists require to conduct effective health promotion in their practice.

Item ID:	59169
Item Type:	Conference Item (Poster)
Keywords:	oral health promotion, dentists, private practice
Related URLs:	Organisation
Date Deposited:	07 Aug 2019 02:45
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111712 Health Promotion @ 100%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920402 Dental Health @ 100%
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