From ambivalence to agency: parents’ conceptions of a theory-based behavioural intervention to prevent dental caries in their preschool children – a qualitative study

Background To describe the different ways in which parents perceive a theory-based behavioural intervention to prevent dental caries in their preschool-aged children. Methods A qualitative interview study was carried out using phenomenographic analysis in 10 public dental clinics in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden (March 2023–July 2024). Ten parents (eight women, two men) of 3–6-year-old children at elevated caries risk completed two or more counselling sessions with university-trained health promoters. Interviews (30–60 min) were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed inductively to capture variation in parental perceptions. Flexible delivery (digital/in-clinic) and interpreter support were made available. Results Three themes were identified: (1) an offer lined with ambivalence , (2) empowered alliance through personalised support and (3) active choices through parental agency . These themes coalesced into the overarching theme ‘from ambivalence to agency: embracing health-promoting behaviour’. Conclusions Parents conceived the health-promoter-led, theory-based behavioural intervention as non-judgemental, culturally responsive and practically useful. By fostering relational safety and providing actionable tools, the intervention appeared to strengthen parental self-efficacy and catalyse family-level behavioural change. This shift, while modest in scale, may represent a necessary step towards equitable and sustainable oral-health promotion. Trial registration Not applicable