Exploring the relationship between school and home brushing behaviour

About the project

About the Project Childhood tooth decay remains one of the most common preventable health conditions worldwide and disproportionately affects children living in deprived communities. Supervised toothbrushing programmes (STPs), delivered in nurseries and schools, are increasingly used as a public health strategy to improve oral hygiene and reduce dental decay. However, while these programmes are known to improve brushing behaviours within educational settings, little is currently understood about whether they influence children’s toothbrushing habits at home. This PhD project will explore whether supervised toothbrushing in schools and nurseries can lead to positive changes in family oral health routines beyond the classroom. The successful candidate will investigate how and why these “spillover” effects occur and identify the factors that support or prevent long-term behaviour change within families. The project will use a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods to develop a detailed understanding of behaviour change in young children and their parents/carers. The study will involve collaboration with schools and nurseries delivering supervised toothbrushing programmes. Quantitative data collection may include surveys, behavioural assessments, and oral health measures to examine changes in home brushing routines over time. Qualitative interviews and focus groups with parents/carers, children, teachers, and oral health professionals will explore experiences of the programmes and perceptions of how school-based behaviours influence home routines. The project will draw on behavioural science frameworks such as COM-B and the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify the mechanisms underpinning behaviour change and determine which components of supervised toothbrushing programmes are most effective in encouraging sustained home oral health practices. This research has strong public health relevance and the potential to influence future oral health policy and practice. Findings could help improve the design of school-based oral health programmes, strengthen family engagement, and contribute to reducing inequalities in childhood dental disease. Entry Requirements Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in psychology, public health, dentistry and other related disciplines. Experience in quantitative research (data collection and analysis) as well as qualitative research methodologies will be very welcome. Interest in applying theories of behaviour change, psychology-applied to dentistry and a general understanding of key frameworks will be very welcome. How to Apply For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website ( https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/ ). Interested candidates must first make contact with the Primary Supervisor prior to submitting a formal application, to discuss their interest and suitability for the project. On the online application form select PhD Dental Health Sciences. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Research areas