Table 1: A graphical summary of the HABIT procedure

HABIT training

a, b, c, d

Baseline

e

HABIT intervention

f, g

Two-week follow up

h

Three-month follow-up

h

Focus groups/ interviews

i

j

a

HABIT training (full day) including:

(1)Consent for health visitors to take part in the intervention and evaluation

(2)Training on how to deliver the HABIT intervention and use the resources

(3)How to use the dental models to explain toothbrushing skills

(4)Informing the health visitors about the study design process and how the evaluation will take place

(5)Explanation of how to fill in the diaries and any thoughts and refinements to the diaries

(6)How to identify potential participants to take part in the intervention

b

Health visitors identified parents who fit the inclusion criteria and asked if they were interested in participating in the study

c

The health visitors team liaison sent potential participants the information sheet and consent form. Once consent had been received, participant information was released to the research team

d

The research team contacted parents to arrange baseline data collection

e

Data collection undertaken by the research team with parents:

(1)Questionnaire, including parent and child demographics, self-reported toothbrushing habits, toothbrushing attitudes, dietary data and bedtime routines

(2)Dental examination of the child – following British Association of the Study of Community Dentistry (BASCD) guidance, gingival inflammation and the Oral Hygiene Index

(3)Parent child (dyad) toothbrushing interaction video-recorded

f

HABIT intervention including:

(1)Hand out a toothbrush and toothpaste (a standard practice for health visitors to give during the 9-12 month visit for children in this area)

(2)Undertake toothbrushing demonstration

(3)Explore parents’ oral health concerns

(4)Showcase habit video, website and leaflet related to parent’s specific concern

(5)Develop an action plan and write this on the leaflet

g

Complete health visitor diary

h

Follow up Data collection undertaken by the research team with parents:

(1)Follow up Questionnaire, including parent and child demographics, self-reported toothbrushing habits, toothbrushing attitudes, dietary data and bedtime routines, attitudes about the intervention.

(2)Dental examination of the child- British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry (BASCD) charting system, Gingival inflammation and Oral HYGIENE index

(3)Parent child (dyad) toothbrushing interaction video-recorded

i

Interviews: followed using interview guide A

j

Focus groups: followed using interview guide B