Forebyggende tiltak i Den offentlige tannhelsetjenesten: Samsvarer rutinene på klinikken med kunnskapsbasert praksis?
Sammanfattning
This study surveyed chair-side preventive measures in the public dental clinics in Norway and compared them to recommendations in evidence-based guidelines. After ethical approval, the regional dental officers emailed questionnaires to their local clinics. The most experienced dentists and dental hygienists were requested to respond. Out of 421 clinics, 256 responded (61 %). Most dentists and dental hygienists routinely monitored patients' brushing habits and use of fluoridated toothpaste. Use of supplementary fluoride products were recommended to most patients aged 3 - 18 years by one third of the respondents. Oral hygiene and fluoride toothpaste recommendations were in line with evidence-based practice. Recommendations of supplementary fluoride products, routines for fissure sealants, and education regarding smoking hazards were not considered evidence-based. One quarter of the clinics had internal guidelines for preventive work. A majority the dentists and dental hygienists were satisfied with the chair-side prevention, although to thirds expressed it could be improved. Half of the respondents were interested in receiving updated national guidelines on preventive care. In conclusion, chair-side preventive measures were numerous in the Norwegian PDS, but some routines were not in accordance with evidence-based practice. Emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practice in oral health prevention would be appropriate.