We also identified questions for further study regarding oral health education for parents. How can the dental team be certain that the oral hygiene message is conveyed? What constitutes the most effective presentations? How can we verify learning has occurred? How do we perpetuate the motivation that is initiated and encourage parents to follow through in the provision of proper oral hygiene and nutrition to their children?
Are incentives, rewards, or punishments appropriate? At what level should state, local, or federal governments intervene? Dental hygienists are faced with the same teaching
obstacles as any other teacher. The information must be heard, understood, and internalized. Parents must develop skills to perform the home care their child requires. Even with a clear understanding of oral hygiene and nutritional needs, parents may
not follow through with the desired behavior. Obstacles in daily living may erode parents’ motivation and sense of necessity to address the dental needs of their children. These issues are complex and require further study.