Karin van Nes

Dr. Karin van Nes is an Assistant Professor in Paediatric Dentistry at the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her research applies behavioral psychology models to understand and improve children's oral health practices, with emphasis on culturally sensitive interventions and parental determinants.

Van Nes specializes in developing and validating theory-based assessment tools grounded in the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA). Her work examines psychosocial cognitive factors influencing parental toothbrushing behaviors, particularly in high-caries-risk populations and immigrant communities.

Recent publications establish validated instruments for measuring self-efficacy, action planning, and risk perception in parental oral care practices. Her systematic review synthesizes evidence on HAPA applications in oral health, informing targeted behavioral interventions.