Universal and Targeted Prevention

Universal and Targeted Prevention is part of meeting P 3.4*. For dental nurses, this requires enough knowledge to support patients, follow local procedures and avoid working beyond scope.

Evidence-based prevention at community level includes universal measures for everyone and targeted measures for groups at higher risk. DBOH and NICE guidance recommend considering fluoride, diet, oral hygiene, smoking, alcohol and other common risk factors when planning prevention.

What to notice in practice

• Whole populations: consider factors that affect oral health and access beyond the single appointment.
• Higher-risk groups: identify groups with greater needs or barriers to care and consider appropriate targeted measures.
• Proportionate universalism: determine what the patient or colleague needs next, then hand over or escalate promptly.
• Resources: respond according to local capacity and use established referral or support routes.
• Fairness: take steps that reduce, not widen, inequalities by ensuring interventions reach those most in need.

The dental nurse role is to understand why these approaches are used, reinforce key messages and help the team avoid unsupported advice or interventions that only reach the easiest-to-reach patients.

Good practice is practical and visible: prepare, listen, check understanding, hand over clearly, and report recurrent problems so the team can learn. That is how this SPF outcome is applied in everyday care.

Research and system context

Evidence-based prevention should be effective, acceptable, proportionate and fair.