Exploring dental professionals' experiences of interprofessional collaboration with home care services

To explore dental professionals' experiences of interprofessional collaboration between the public dental service (PDS) and home care services (HCS) in Norway, with a focus on how structural, legal, and professional factors influence access to preventive oral health care for HCS users.

A qualitative design was applied, informed by phenomenological and hermeneutical approaches. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with dental professionals in PDS in Eastern Norway. Data were analyzed thematically using an inductive approach.

Three main themes were identified: (1) Systemic and practical barriers, including fragmented administrative structures, outdated legislation, and lack of shared digital infrastructure; (2) Challenges in interprofessional collaboration, such as weak institutional anchoring, unclear role expectations, and low prioritization of oral health within HCS; (3) Prevention of oral disease, wherein participants emphasized the need for early intervention, continuity, and integration of oral health into daily care routines. Joint home visits and stable interprofessional relationships were highlighted as promising.

Despite national strategies supporting integrated care, structural fragmentation and role ambiguity hinder effective collaboration. Strengthening interprofessional frameworks, updating legislation, and improving digital systems are needed to enhance access to preventive oral health care services. Oral health must be recognized as a shared responsibility across health services.