Development and Validation of “Basic Oral Health Assessment Tool” (BOHAT) for Non-Dental Healthcare Professionals for Indian Adult Population: A Mixed Method Research (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Oral health is a significant indicator of general health, wellbeing, and quality of life. The prevention of oral health problems requires the periodic inspection of the oral cavity. Routine oral health examinations to individuals appears to be one way to deliver quality oral health care but is too often missed as an opportunity for improved oral health in the non-dental healthcare setting in India. This because of limited training and nonavailability or lack of specialized oral health assessment tools. OBJECTIVE The current study will be focused on the development, validation, and implementation of Basic Oral Health Assessment Tool (BOHAT) to improve the oral health assessment capabilities of non-dental healthcare professionals and thus contribute to improved overall health outcomes of the Indian adult population. METHODS This study will be a mixed method, multistage study conducted in 3 stages. Study will be carried out among 708 non dental healthcare professionals in 33 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) of Mangalore taluk, Karnataka. Ethical approval was sought from the institutional ethics committee of Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore. Informed consent will be obtained from every participant prior to the study. Literature review and qualitative interviews will be used for item and domain generation with respect to BOHAT; an expert panel review and pilot testing for refinement; and, finally, statistical analyses for validation of reliability and consistency. The second phase will involve capacity building and user experience exploration through comprehensive trainings for non-dental health professionals using audio and visual aids, with hands-on learning methodologies, including relevant feedback processes in the form of focus group discussions. The third stage will check the effectiveness of BOHAT regarding the changes in knowledge, attitude, and practices through pre- and post-training questionnaires, which will then be followed by a retention analysis three months later. RESULTS The current study will be complemented by in-depth qualitative and quantitative analysis. The results of the study will then be presented at relevant scientific conferences and professional meetings as oral presentations and published in academic journals. CONCLUSIONS The BOHAT study holds huge potential for promoting oral health care through collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches. It will accomplish early diagnosis, timely referrals, and comprehensive care by integrating assessment actions for oral health into routine practices of non-dental primary health care professionals. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable