Identification of educational needs to promote oral health from the standpoint of patients referring to Shariati dental clinic in Isfahan: a qualitative research

Abstract

AbstractIntroduction: Qualitative research has an important role in promoting oral health, especially in identification of problems, preparation of scientific hypotheses, and evaluation and identification of individual aspects which have not been fully understood. The aim of this study was to interview patients referring to Shariati dental clinic in Isfahan to determine patients’ views on oral health educational needs in relation to prevention of disease and promotion of oral health.Materials and methods: This qualitative research was carried out based on “grounded” theory. Aim-oriented theoretical sampling method was used and sampling was stopped at the saturation point. Data was collected and recorded using in-depth interviews. Results: In general the participants believed that educational films were useful tools to promote oral health. Participants' educational needs were categorized in four main groups: oral health education, proper nutrition, information about fluoride, and education required in order to eliminate false beliefs. Subdivisions were found for each category during the coding process.Conclusion: The participants in this study reported a need for dental educational programs to improve their knowledge on the correct methods to promote oral health, nutrition and the use of fluoride. Oral health educational movies were considered useful tools. Key word: Education, Oral health, Qualitative research

Keywords

• Key word: Education
• Oral health
• Qualitative research