How to influence patient oral hygiene behavior effectively.

Full Abstract

Considerable resources are expended in dealing with dental disease easily prevented with better oral hygiene. The study hypothesis was that an evidence-based intervention, framed with psychological theory, would improve patients' oral hygiene behavior. The impact of trial methodology on trial outcomes was also explored by the conducting of two independent trials, one randomized by patient and one by dentist. The study included 87 dental practices and 778 patients (Patient RCT = 37 dentists/300 patients; Cluster RCT = 50 dentists/478 patients). Controlled for baseline differences, pooled results showed that patients who experienced the intervention had better behavioral (timing, duration, method), cognitive (confidence, planning), and clinical (plaque, gingival bleeding) outcomes. However, clinical outcomes were significantly better only in the Cluster RCT, suggesting that the impact of trial design on results needs to be further explored.

Author information

Author/s: Clarkson, J E (JE); Young, L (L); Ramsay, C R (CR); Bonner, B C (BC); Bonetti, D (D);

Affiliation: DHSRU, University of Dundee, MacKenzie Building, Kirsty Semple Way, Dundee, DD2 4BF UK.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of dental research (J Dent Res), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 88 (issue 10) : pp 933-7

Dates: Created 2009/09/28; Completed 2009/11/02;

PMID: 19783802, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/2/2009, IMS Date: )

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