Perception of nurses applying silver diamine fluoride to children's teeth: A mixed methods study.

Abstract

No studies have evaluated the unique potential of nurse-led silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application for children to bridge the gap in interprofessional collaboration. To investigate the attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of nurses regarding nurse-led SDF application at the well-child visit and identify possible barriers and make recommendations. Mixed methods design involving a questionnaire and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. All eligible nurses (n = 110) completed the questionnaire, and 16 were interviewed. Questionnaire responses highlighted that nurses were not confident in providing oral health services (score: <3 of 5) beyond oral hygiene advice (score: ≥3.9 of 5) but believed that they should be providing these services for individuals with difficulty accessing care. Interviews reflected that most nurses viewed oral health care as an important part of paediatric health but were limited by knowledge, time and manpower. Most were willing to expand their job scope to include SDF application with formal education and training, competency assessments and approaches to counter time limitations. Where nurses are already providing basic oral healthcare, nurse-led SDF application could be the next step. Findings suggest that systemic changes should include strategies to empower and motivate nurses to apply SDF at the well-child visit.