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Principle #6: Prevention communication should be tailored and direct

One message, adapted to the family. Adapt the emphasis, not the evidence.

Parents enter conversations with different concerns and experiences. Effective communication keeps the same evidence-based recommendation, while tailoring how it is explained to each family’s specific situation.

Core Behaviour

  • Start from the same preventive recommendation for every child
  • Identify the parents’ main concern or situation
  • Adapt the emphasis of your explanation accordingly
  • Keep responses short, clear, and relevant
  • Avoid introducing unnecessary information

QuickTalking Tips

Tailoring means meeting parents where they are, not changing the message.

DOThis

(Tailored, focused responses)

Adjust your explanation to the parent’s concern or context:

  • If swallowing is the concern: “That’s why we use a very small amount and supervise brushing.”
  • If the child has no cavities yet: “Prevention works best before cavities start. That's when fluoride helps most.”
  • If parents prefer ‘fluoride-free’ products: “Fluoride-free toothpaste helps with cleaning, but fluoride adds protection against cavities.”
  • If parents worry about ‘chemicals’: “What matters most is how much we use. In small amounts, fluoride is safe and protective.”

These responses:

  • Address the concern directly
  • Avoid overwhelming detail
  • Keep the recommendation intact

AVOIDThis

(Generic or unfocused communication)

Avoid responses that ignore ignore or dilute the concern:

  • Giving the same long explanation to every parent
  • Listing multiple benefits when only one is relevant
  • Introducing new risks or information unnecessarily
  • Saying “That’s not really an issue”
  • Changing the recommendation to avoid discomfort

These approaches unintentionally:

  • Reduce engagement
  • Create confusion
  • Undermine confidence in the advice

Standard Chairside Language

“That’s exactly why we use a very small amount and supervise brushing. That keeps it safe.”

“This is the stage where prevention works best - before any damage starts.”

“Cleaning is important, and fluoride adds extra protection against cavities.”

“What’s the main thing you’re concerned about?”

Supporting Visual /Behavioural Cues / General Delivery Tips

  • Demonstrate the toothpaste amount again if relevant
  • Use hand gestures to show “small amount”
  • Focus eye contact when responding to the specific concern
  • Address one concern at a time
  • Avoid stacking explanations
  • Keep your response proportional to the concern
  • Stop once the concern has been addressed

Tailoring is communicated through attention as much as words. More information is not always more helpful!

Tailored communication:

  • Makes parents feel heard
  • Increases relevance and understanding
  • Reduces resistance
  • Support consistent behaviour at home

Parents are more likely to follow guidance they clearly understand.

Evidence Base

Observational studies in preventive dental care show that tailored, direct communication improves engagement and understanding without altering clinical recommendations.

Fluoride hesitancy takes different forms: safety, necessity, philosophy, or misinformation.

Tailoring the explanation:
  • Prevents one-size-fits-all responses
  • Keeps fluoride framed as protective care
  • Allows one evidence base to meet different parental entry points
 
Tailoring allows clinicians to:
  • Address individual concerns
  • Maintain consistency
  • Support preventive behaviour
 
Key evidence

These tailored verbal and non-verbal strategies improve preventive engagement and ensures flexibility without inconsistency.

Other Principles

#1 Approach with confidence: Make fluoride the default, not a debate

READ MORE

#2 Strong recommendations build trust

READ MORE

#3 Listen first: When hesitancy surfaces, guide, don’t persuade. 

READ MORE

#4 Principle: Move beyond myth-busting: Reassure and reframe 

READ MORE

#5 Simplify and demonstrate: Plain language builds confidence 

READ MORE

#6 Prevention communication should be tailored and direct 

READ MORE

#7 Trust signals matter: Communication goes beyond words 

READ MORE

#8 Parental attitudes drive behaviour

READ MORE

Disclaimer – Professional Communication Tools

The communication principles and practical examples presented on this page are provided for educational and informational purposes only. They are intended to support reflective practice and professional development in the context of dentist–parent communication around preventive oral health care. These materials do not constitute clinical, medical, legal, or professional advice, and they are not a substitute for individual clinical judgement, professional training, or applicable national guidelines, regulations, or standards of care. The International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) does not mandate the use of these principles, nor does it guarantee any specific clinical or behavioural outcomes resulting from their application. The examples provided are illustrative and non-exhaustive, and their appropriateness may vary depending on individual circumstances, patient needs, cultural context, and local regulatory frameworks. By using these materials, users acknowledge that responsibility for clinical decisions, professional conduct, and patient communication remains solely with the treating professional. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the IAPD disclaims any liability for loss, damage, or claims arising from the use or interpretation of the content provided.

The Fluoriders campaign is an initiative of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) designed to promote good oral hygiene habits in children.

The Fluoriders initiative is supported by an educational grant from Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® programme. All educational content is developed independently by IAPD.