Objectives: This study aims to further understanding of what influences General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) practicing in Scotland to apply FV, with the intention of informing an intervention to encourage implementation of this evidence-based behaviour.
Methods: A postal questionnaire assessing frequency of fluoride varnish application (FVA) and potential influences (framed using the Theoretical Domains Framework) was sent to all GDPs practicing in Scotland. Pearson’s correlations and linear regression were used to examine the association between FVA and potential influences.
Results: 1090 GDPs responded (53.6% response rate). GDPs reported applying varnish more frequently to high risk and younger children (aged 2 to 5 years). Higher scores in eight domains: Knowledge, Social/professional role and identity, Beliefs about consequences, Motivation and goals, Environmental context, Social influences, Emotion, and Behavioural regulation were associated with greater frequency of FVA. In particular, four beliefs held by GDPs drive their decision to apply varnish (whether they recognise that FVA is a guideline recommended behaviour (Knowledge); whether they perceive FVA as an important part of their professional role (Professional role/identity), whether they think FV is something parents want for their children (Social influences) and whether it is something they really want to do (Emotion).
Conclusion: The results suggest that an intervention which increases: GDPs knowledge of relevant guidance, their beliefs that FVA is something they have a responsibility to provide, and which raises parental expectations with regard to their child’s receipt of varnish will have the greatest likelihood of positively influencing FVA.