Parents' and caregivers' perspectives on the Manitoba Dental Association's Free First Visit program.

Objectives: The Free First Visit (FFV) program was implemented in 2010 to promote early preventive dental visits for children <36 months of age in Manitoba, Canada. The purpose was to understand parents' and caregivers' perspectives on the program.

Methods: Three focus groups with 21 participants were conducted in Winnipeg, Canada using an interview guide in this qualitative study.

Results: Most participants were aware of the FFV program and the appropriate age for a child's first visit. Almost all agreed with the recommendation to see a dentist by one year of age. Some reported that general dentists advised them to bring their child after three years of age. Participants appreciated that the program was free, and some noted that the program made them aware of the appropriate age for a first visit. About half of the participants had taken their child for a FFV. Reasons for not taking their child for a FFV included: nothing wrong with their child's teeth, they believed there was still time as their child was not three years old, they had government insurance, child's temperament, and feelings of apathy. There were mixed opinions regarding whether the program was helping those who needed it the most.

Conclusions: The majority of participants liked the FFV program and believed that it should continue. Parents would benefit from further education and encouragement to seek oral care for their child by age one. Some general dentists may need further training and skills to meet the recommendations for first dental visits.