Do as I say and not as I do? New Zealand dentists’ oral health practices and advice to patients

Abstract

This study investigated New Zealand dentists’ oral self-care behaviour and delivery of advice to patients. A nationwide electronic survey was conducted with 700 general dentists randomly selected from the 2018 New Zealand Dental Register. The questionnaire sought information on dentists’ demographic characteristics, oral self-care behaviours and delivery of oral health care advice. Most respondents (90%) brushed their teeth more than once daily, while substantial minorities flossed once a day (45%), used mouthwash occasionally (42%) and occasionally snacked between meals (38%). Most respondents (82%) had never smoked. Most (92%) reported using fluoridated toothpaste. More than half had had posterior bitewing radiographs taken (57%) and had had their most recent dental check-up within the previous year (60%) by visiting a colleague. Despite most NZ dentists having good oral self-care behaviours and giving sound oral hygiene advice to their patients, a small minority do not model sound oral health behaviours.