What do people want from dentistry? An action research approach

Issues surrounding access to dentistry will be presented from information gathered during an action research project targeting three population groups. This project was conducted by students in the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program at the University of British Columbia and by the dental hygiene diploma students at Camosun College. In contrast to typical empirical dental studies which are validated by statistical presentation, action research uses an interview process and qualitative analysis to identify what people really think, believe and do. College students, independent-living seniors, and low-income families were interviewed to determine how they accessed dental care, how they liked their dental visits, and how they preferred to receive dental health information. Cost, convenience and fear of pain were significant factors which influenced whether people attended the dental office. Caring dental health providers, comfort and pleasant physical surroundings were important features of a dental office visit. Dental health practices, such as brushing and flossing, were predominantly learned from the dental profession at the dental office, through school programs, or from parents at home. This data challenged our previous assumptions about these groups. As the goal of this type of research is "action", the information gathered will lead to action plans at the community and professional level.