Application of the Health Belief Model in Oral Health Promotion and Preventive Dentistry: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Oral diseases are among the most widespread non-communicable diseases globally, affecting around 3.5 billion people and their health, quality of life, and economic productivity. Despite being preventable, their incidence continues to increase because preventive oral health practices are not sufficiently adopted or maintained. Understanding factors influencing health-related behaviours is crucial for promoting oral health and preventive dentistry. The Health Belief Model (HBM), developed in the 1950s by social psychologists with the United States Public Health Service, is a widely used behavioural theory for explaining and predicting preventive health behaviours.