Predicting intention of Norwegian dental health‐care workers to use nanomaterials: An application of the augmented theory of planned behavior

Abstract

Due to the rapid development of nanotechnology and its integration into dentistry, there is a need for information on the factors influencing the decision of dental health-care workers to use nanomaterials. Based on a national survey among Norwegian dentists and dental hygienists, this study applied the theory of planned behavior (TPB), augmented with past behavior and perceived risk, to predict the intention to use dental nanomaterials in the future and to assess whether an augmented TPB model operates equivalently across professional groups. Structural equation modelling was used to assess whether the hypothesized model fits the data. Of 1792 eligible participants, 851 responded to an electronic survey. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control had the strongest effect on intention, followed by past behavior and subjective norms. Risk perceptions had an indirect effect on intention. Multigroup comparison confirmed invariance of the model across professional groups. This study supports the validity of the augmented TPB model to explain the intention of Norwegian dentists and dental hygienists to use nanomaterials. The strongest influence on intention is given by the attitudes toward nanomaterials and perceived confidence in their use. The findings of the study have implications for management of the use of nanomaterials in dentistry by policy makers.

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“…Up-to-date perspectives on nanomedicine have been mostly investigated regardless of the field of application, despite research in its use spanning several medical domains and purposes, either for prevention or treatment. A more consistent search was retrieved under dental medicine [57,58] which suggested further investigation of the mutual interaction between socio-psychological factors and previous experience or knowledge of nanomedicine might be worthwhile to predict clinicians' intention to use.…”

“…Norwegian dentists and dental hygienists reported feeling safe to use nanomaterials in clinical practice if perceived benefits and risks were balanced [57]. Furthermore, knowledge was found to influence risk perceptions related to the use of nanomaterials [58], claiming a more in-depth exploration of socio-cognitive factors. On the other hand, previous experience with nanomaterials was suggested to influence subjective norms (social pressure from others) leading to the intention to use nanomedicine [57].…”

“…Two studies in India [52,53], one study in Saudi Arabia [54], two studies in the United States of America [55,56], and two studies in Norway [57,58] were conducted.…”

“…The most common measured constructs were intention to use, application awareness, and familiarity with nanomedicine or nanomaterials. Only one study [58] referred to a grounded theoretical measurement model, whereas most questionnaires were designed according to the authors' personal preferences. Respondents were usually invited to express their agreement with a list of statements and/or questions from 2-point to 10-point rating scales.…”

“…Media and television head the list of sources of information about nanotechnology, thereby overcoming scientific journals and formal education. One study pointed out that personal attitudes and subjectively perceived confidence toward nanomaterials would influence clinicians' intention to use them [58]. Norwegian dentists and dental hygienists reported feeling safe to use nanomaterials in clinical practice if perceived benefits and risks were balanced [57].…”