Encouraging changes in behaviour regarding childhood obesity in public oral health services can be effectively done using the Ask/Assess > Advise > Arrange model. Healthcare providers routinely measure height and weight, calculate body mass index (BMI), and assess dietary patterns. Should a child be excessively overweight and deemed unhealthy, they provide gentle guidance using recommended professional language, distribute informative materials, and propose engaging initiatives to foster better health (NSW Health, 2019).
Referral pathways are designed to provide additional support for children who are overweight. To ensure effective communication and coordination, stakeholders actively use a framework to monitor progress and evaluate plans (NSW Health, 2019). This structured approach upholds the NSW Premier’s objective to reduce childhood obesity.
Utilising this model in real-world scenarios can enable healthcare practitioners to offer individualised guidance, fostering greater consciousness about weight and motivating individuals to adopt healthier habits. People can alter their behaviour by being provided with practical solutions, promoting collaboration among professionals, and monitoring their progress (NSW Health, 2019). Regarding oral health public services, it is a comprehensive strategy to address the issue of children’s obesity.