Numerous conceptual models of health literacy have been proposed in the literature, but very few have been empirically validated in clinical contexts. The aim of this study was to test the effects of the conceptual model of health literacy as a risk in a clinical dental context. A convenience sample of 133 Norwegian-speaking adults was recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 64, 54% women, mean age = 50 years) and a control group (n = 69, 49% women, mean age = 46 years). Clinical measurements were conducted pre-intervention and six months post-intervention. In the intervention group, communication regarding patients’ oral health was tailored to their health literacy levels using recommended communication techniques, whereas the control group received brief information not tailored to health literacy levels. The ANCOVA showed significant between-group effects, finding reduced post-intervention mean gingival (p < 0.000) and mean plaque (p < 0.000) indices in the intervention group when controlling for baseline index scores. The adjusted Cohen’s d indicated large effect sizes between the intervention group and the control group for both the mean gingival index (−0.98) and the mean plaque index (−1.33). In conclusion, the conceptual model of health literacy as a risk had a large effect on important clinical outcomes, such as gingival status and oral hygiene. The model may be regarded as a suitable supplement to patient education in populations.

Prisoners’ oral health and general health are closely connected and generally poorer than that of the wider population. Moreover, knowledge of prisoners’ health literacy is scarce. This study aimed to explore prisoners’ perceived oral and general health and how they accessed, understood and assessed health information to gain insight into their health literacy. Twelve prisoners in a high‐security prison and a halfway house participated in individual semi‐structured interviews. Data was analysed through thematic analysis, which identified five themes: inconsistent self‐reporting of general and oral health; autonomous health behaviour through utilizing personal resources; preference for personalized adapted health information; psychological and physical proximity; and barriers. The prisoners perceived their oral and general health as good despite several health problems. They expressed scepticism towards health information from public authorities and made their own health‐related choices based on previous experiences, their own ‘common sense’ and the experiences of people they trusted. Health information was considered useful when adjusted to their needs. Obtaining health‐related information through physical encounters was considered more accessible than through online platforms. Adapting the communication to prisoners’ expressed needs and their health literacy can enhance the accessibility to improve their oral and general health. In‐person encounters would be preferable.

Oral diseases remain prevalent, although most of them can be prevented. Oral health inequities represent a critical problem of social injustice worldwide. Health literacy has emerged as a potential determinant of oral health disparities, comparable in impact to socioeconomic factors. This study explored the impact of socioeconomic factors and health literacy on oral health in young adults in Norway using data from the third wave of the Fit Futures study (n = 705), which included questionnaires and clinical oral examinations. Measures included self-reported oral health, oral health-related quality of life (OIDP-8), caries experience (DMFT), gingivitis (BOP), health literacy (HLS-Q12) and socioeconomic factors. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that lower health literacy was associated with poorer self-reported oral health (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93–0.98) and lower oral health-related quality of life (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90–0.98). Higher health literacy was associated with a greater caries experience (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.09). Lower educational attainment was associated with less favorable outcomes across all oral health measures (OR: 1.7–2.6, all p < 0.05). These findings suggest that both health literacy and education influence oral health. Interventions aimed at enhancing health literacy and reducing barriers should be tested to empower young people and support their long-term oral health.

The transition from adolescence to adulthood represents an increase in autonomy and responsibility of oral health-related behaviors, in which health literacy might play a significant role. The objective of the study was to assess health literacy in a young adult population and determine whether health literacy is associated with their oral health-related behaviors. Materials and methods: Utilizing data from the Fit Futures longitudinal cohort study, this cross-sectional analysis was based on self-administered questionnaires from the third wave, FF3. Health literacy was assessed using a short version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-Q12), while oral health-related behaviors were assessed through toothbrushing frequency and dental service utilization. In addition, socioeconomic factors were included as control variables. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Results: The findings indicated that 38% of the young adults had a score equivalent to having lower levels of health literacy. Higher health literacy scores were associated with more regular dental service use, even after adjusting for socioeconomic covariates. Conclusion: Although most young adults had good oral health-related behaviors, it is concerning that a significant proportion still neglects regular dental visits and consistent tooth brushing. These findings highlight the need for greater emphasis on health literacy within public dental health services.

Objective: This study aimed to gain knowledge of general oral health preventive measures with a specific focus on root caries preventive measures for patients ≥65 years old, performed by Norwegian dental hygienists in public and private dental health services. A secondary aim was to investigate differences and challenges in prevention practices. Materials and methods: An electronic survey was conducted among the sample in 2022. A total of 365 dental hygienists were included in the analyses. Chi-square tests were used to analyze differences between private and public dental hygienists regarding preventive measures and perceived challenges. Results: The most frequently reported general oral health preventive measures were oral hygiene instruction, professional tooth cleaning and scaling. Oral hygiene instruction and application of fluoride varnish were the most performed root caries preventive measure, and reduced manual dexterity in patients was the most perceived challenge. Public dental hygienists perceived challenges to a greater extent than private dental hygienists, particularly related to reduced mobility and ergonomic difficulties in patients. Conclusion: This study confirms dental hygienists’ important role in oral health promotion and showed that Norwegian dental hygienists performed a wide range of preventive measures for patients ≥65 years old. However, a number of challenges were identified in the preventive work.

English summary: Oral health services in Norwegian prisons. A survey among dentists and prison staff: Nor Tannlegeforen Tid. 2022; 132: 616–23. Prisoners have poorer dental health and greater treatment need than the general population. However, information regarding oral health services for prisoners in Norway is scarce. The purpose of the study was to assess oral health services for inmates in Norwegian prisons. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to prison staff and dentists treating inmates in the country’s 43 prisons, and one dentist and one staff member answered from each prison. Forty dentists and 38 prison staff participated, which gave a response rate of 93 and 90%, respectively. The prison staff highlighted lack of staff and challenges related to transporting inmates to clinics outside the prison as obstacles to treating inmates. Dental anxiety was reported by prison staff and prison dentists as the most critical reason inmates did not seek oral health treatment. Mental health and lack of knowledge about their rights were also important obstacles. The need for treatment among the inmates was considered larger than the resources covered, and most dentists wished they could do more to improve the oral health of the inmates. There was little focus on health-promoting and preventive work, both at individual and group levels. Future studies should examine inmates’ perspectives on oral health and oral health services.