A Qualitative Pilot Study to Investigate Caregiver Attitudes on Healthy Lifestyle Discussions During Dental Visits for Children Younger Than Six Years.

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative pilot study was to investigate caregivers' attitudes about healthy lifestyles and weight-related discussions during dental visits. Methods: Twenty-one caregivers of children younger than six years old at two community dental clinics in Washington State-a rural community clinic serving children of seasonal farmworkers and an urban clinic primarily serving children with special health care needs-were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Interview data were analyzed inductively via thematic content analysis. Results: Three themes emerged from the data: (1) supporting conversations about healthy lifestyles in the dental office; (2) crafting the conversation and identifying next steps; and (3) ensuring that the dentist is perceived as a caregiver ally. Caregivers were supportive of healthy lifestyle conversations with dentists. Concerns about weight-specific discussions were expressed. Conclusion: Caregivers' attitudes indicated support for conversations on healthy lifestyles. A future workaround incorporating healthy lifestyle discussion into pediatric dental visits is warranted.