Assessing patient acceptability of Type 2 diabetes risk-assessment in UK high‑street dental practices: a reflexive thematic analysis of 15 interviews

This qualitative study explored how patients perceive and experience Type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk assessment delivered within NHS high‑street dental practices. Fifteen adults who had completed a risk-assessment questionnaire and point‑of‑care HbA1c test participated in semi‑structured interviews analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Participants widely supported the concept of opportunistic diabetes risk assessment in dental settings, describing the process as convenient, acceptable and reassuring, particularly because it offered a single‑visit workflow and immediate results. Trust in familiar dental staff contributed strongly to perceptions of legitimacy and comfort. Many participants valued receiving a tangible HbA1c number and expressed a desire for a plain‑language printed explanation outlining the meaning of the result and recommended next steps. While weight‑ and waist‑circumference related questions were generally acceptable, several participants emphasised the importance of privacy and clear pre‑test communication to minimise discomfort. Preferences for follow‑up strongly favoured a dual‑communication approach: automatic GP notification complemented by a patient‑held copy to ensure understanding and encourage action. Views diverged regarding whether dental teams should directly refer into diabetes prevention programmes, but all participants agreed that strong integration with GP pathways was essential. Some also highlighted equity considerations, including the deterrent effect of patient fees and the need to ensure that screening does not compromise access to routine dental care. Overall, dental practices were seen as a credible, convenient and potentially impactful setting for early identification of T2D risk, provided pathways remain patient‑centred, well‑explained and integrated with broader primary care systems.