Finding the person behind caries disease: The dental caregivers’ experiences of empowering patients to implement beneficial behavioral changes

Objectives This study aimed to elucidate dental professionals’ experiences of how to empower patients at risk of developing new or additional caries to promote caries-related preventive behavioral changes. Methods Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to qualitative content analysis. To provide credibility and high-quality data, participant recruitment followed strategic sampling. The 10 participants included nine women and one man; six participants were dentists, and four were dental hygienists. In the data analysis, five descriptive and five strategic themes emerged that formed an overarching theme: Finding the person behind caries disease. Results The results indicated that by initially getting to know the person behind the patient, trusting relationships and knowledge can be generated to successfully influence patients’ behaviors related to caries. The five descriptive themes included: Building a treatment alliance, Understanding habitual patterns, Motivating for changes, Implementing new behaviors, and Preserving behavioral improvements. The descriptive themes each revealed a strategy theme containing several strategy proposals for initiating and supporting caries-preventing behavioral changes. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of establishing a treatment alliance to improve the patient's skills, knowledge, and motivation. It underscores the significance of recognizing the individual behind the patient, to facilitate optimal behavior change at the lowest possible level of treatment. Clinical Significance Our findings could assist in strengthening caries-related health promotion, caries prevention, and understanding of oral health literacy techniques.