Factors affecting dental attendance among school leavers and young workers in Greater Manchester

The aim of this study was to investigate those factors which could influence adolescents in their dental attendance habits. Discussion groups were formed with school pupils in their final school year and with Youth Training Scheme trainees who had been working for six months or more. Fourteen discussions, involving 97 adolescents, were carried out and recorded on tape. Analysis of these tapes permitted comparison of the responses of the school leavers and the trainees which revealed some recurring themes. No major differences were found between the adolescents in their views on dental attendance before and after leaving school. Many respondents said that they had been able to decide for themselves about going to the dentist since they were 12, 13 or 14 years old, well before school leaving time. A low perception of need and a high level of confidence in self-care were widely reported and these tended to reduce the likelihood of attendance. The desire to maintain or produce a good dental appearance was frequently given as the main motive for attending the dentist.