Table 3.

Communication challenges for providers: patient/caregiver-side challenges and provider-side challenges (n = 40).

Communication Measure	All Providers n (%)
Greatest challenges in communicating with patients/caregivers (P/C) *
Patient/caregiver-side challenges
P/C does not follow instructions, regardless of how well explained	22 (56%)
Cultural beliefs are a barrier to patient/caregiver understanding	20 (51%)
Language is a barrier to patient/caregiver understanding	16 (41%)
P/C is not that interested in OH education	15 (38%)
P/C does not understand OH information	14 (36%)
P/C is afraid of the dentist/oral health provider	13 (33%)
P/C has trouble communicating due to treatment in mouth/oral cavity	5 (13%)
Provider-side challenges
Other staff, no background in communication techniques	14 (36%)
Not enough time	10 (26%)
Not enough background in communication techniques	4 (10%)
Does not have simple educational resources to give patients/caregivers	4 (10%)
Other	9 (23%)

* P/C: Patient/caregiver.