Dietary analysis and nutritional counselling for caries prevention in dental practice: A pilot study

Abstract

Background

Dental practitioners agree that dietary counselling is essential for caries prevention, however they provide advice infrequently due to a lack of confidence and competence. This study aimed to improve practices through an online training module exploring the use of a brief counselling method, and a diet assessment of caries risk form.

Methods

Dental practitioners (N = 41) completed a survey on current practices and confidence in providing dietary advice, followed by an online training module. Ten practitioners were involved in recruiting patients, eliciting a diet assessment of caries risk, and using brief counselling techniques with these patients. Patients were followed up at six-months for a risk assessment review. Dental practitioners also completed a six-month follow-up survey exploring changes in confidence and perceived barriers.

Results

Dental hygienists' confidence improved significantly following the intervention (p < 0.025). Patients showed significant reduction in high-risk behaviour pertaining to quantity and timing of sugar intake, and significant trends in improvement of behaviors relating to frequency, exposure time, and drinking style (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

It appears that a simple online learning module can improve hygienists' confidence in dietary advice provision, and have a positive impact on patient behaviour change, within a relatively short time-frame.

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