Respecting the expectant

CPD STUDY ROOM: Valuable insight for any dental practitioner planning oral health promotion initiatives

AS WE KNOW, it is important to establish good oral health habits early, and this starts with the expectant mother. This research study describes an intervention for first-time expectant parents. The researchers interview expectant parents to identify the enablers and barriers to participating in the program. This paper provides a valuable insight for any dental practitioner planning oral health promotion initiatives.

Reading and reflecting on peer-reviewed journal articles can be an appropriate CPD activity for dental practitioners.

Learning objectives:

• To understand the enablers and barriers to expectant parents participating in a dental health counselling initiative

• To reflect on the implications of this knowledge for professional practice.

Independent learning activities:

• Read through the article (it is available as an Open Access article using the link above)

• Respond to the following questions:

– What did the expectant parents identify as the facilitators for participation in the program? What impact will this have on your future delivery of dental health counselling for expectant parents?

– What did the expectant parents identify as the barriers for participation in the program? How could these barriers be overcome?

– Reflecting on your previous answer, and the authors recommendations for increasing participation, how might this influence your design of health promotion initiatives or delivery of health promotion advice to expectant parents in your professional practice?

• You may decide to do some additional research to further your understanding of this topic.

Outcomes:

• At the conclusion of the activity, dental practitioners will be able to explain the enablers and barriers of expectant parents in accessing dental health counselling and incorporate this knowledge into their professional practice.

Remember to keep a record of your activities to meet the requirements of the Dental Board standards. This includes the name of the activity, journal article citation, date, time, location of CPD activity, number and type of CPD hours. Include your critical reflection to demonstrate you have understood the information and have considered the implications for your professional practice.

References: Lindvall K, Koistinen S, Ivarsson A, van Dijken J, Eurenius E. Health counselling in dental care for expectant parents: A qualitative study. International Journal of Dental Hygiene. 2020 Nov;18(4):384-95. https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.12461