Why Most Dental Health Education Programs FAIL

Question 1

Identify and discuss 11 problems why most

plaque control programs do NOT work

Answer 1

1. Plaque Control Programs Begin Too Early
2. Plaque control begins without patient ownership or readiness
3. Lack of personal approach to plaque control efforts
4. Assumptions about the reasons for patient nonperformance of plaque control are often mistaken
5. Old habits are automatic
6. We THINK the patient has adequate skills to clean adequately
7. We teach too much, too quickly
8. Plaque control programs lack adequate follow-up
9. Plaque control is not financially rewarding
10. Plaque control programs are often not offered to those most in need
11. Personnel turnover in the practice defeats education efforts