Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the perceptions regarding oral muscle strength training for elder people among dental professionals. The study participants were selected using non-probability sampling methods, as dentists and dental hygienists with more than 3 years of work experience at dental institutions. A total of 15 participants were selected, including 6 dentists, 4 clinical dental hygienists, and 5 public dental hygienists. Interviews were conducted in June and July 2022, and two focus group interviews were conducted for each group. The first round was face-to-face and the second round was conducted through an online video conference. Through focus group interviews, five factors were obtained; lack of awareness, value of training, factors necessary for implementation, performance status, and obstructive factors. It was found that most study participants had a negative perception regarding the application of oral muscle strength training for elder people due to the lack of information and education on the subject. However, the benefit of oral muscle strength training was positively recognized; adequate educational material, appropriate compensation, adequate time, and availability of patients will be necessary for proper training. It is necessary to improve the perceptions regarding the importance of strengthening oral muscles for the elder people among dentists and dental hygienists. In addition, high-quality educational material that can be easily comprehended and practiced should be developed for effective training.
Figures & Tables
Table 1. Characteristics of subjects
