Methods: Six groups, each comprising 6-10 mothers from urban and rural areas from different nationalities of Ajman emirate were selected. Questions were formulated using information obtained from a previous questionnaire survey using a funnel approach. All sessions were audio recorded and information was analyzed using the cut and paste technique.
Results: In total, 42 mothers participated in the focus groups and the result showed that some mothers had slightly unfavorable attitudes towards the diet (high consumption of carioganic food) of their young children, while the use of fluoride, other than in toothpaste was rare. However, favorable opinions by these mothers were also reported, as many were in favor of community water fluoridation and encouraged the idea a dental preventive program.
Conclusion: The mother's attitude was positive toward prevention, but their knowledge of dental caries and the effect of cariogenic food on the teeth were confused.