Dental hygienists' views on communicative factors and interpersonal processes in prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to explore views of DHs on communicative issues and interpersonal processes of importance in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.


METHODS
The qualitative method of Grounded Theory (GT) was chosen for data sampling and analysis. Audio-taped and open-ended interviews were conducted with 17 dental hygienists. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed in a hierarchical coding process, according to the principles of GT.


RESULTS
In the analysis a core category was identified as 'to be successful in information and oral health education and managing desirable behavioural changes'. The core concept was related to four additional categories and dimensions; (i) 'to establish a trustful relationship with the patient', (ii) 'to present information about the oral health status and to give oral hygiene instructions', (iii) 'to be professional in the role as a dental hygienist' and (iv) 'to have a supportive working environment in order to feel satisfaction with the work and to reach desirable treatment results'.


CONCLUSIONS
The results describe a psychosocial process that elucidates the importance of building a trustful relationship with the patient, feeling secure in one's professional role as a DH and last but not least, the importance of having support from colleagues and the clinical manager to be successful in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases.
Stenman
J
J
Department of Periodontology, Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. jane.stenman@odontologi.gu.se
Wennström
J L
JL
Abrahamsson
K H
KH
D003142:Communication; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000523:psychology*; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D024382:Professional Role; D035502:Trust