Motivational Interviewing to Improve Oral Hygiene in Adolescent Orthodontic Patients

Running, not enrolling · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Gingivitis, DMFT Index, Dental Plaque Index, Oral Hygiene Education Methods, Oral Hygiene Reinforcement During Fixed Orthodontic Treatment, Motivational Interview, OHI

In brief

This study is being conducted to explore how motivational interviewing (MI), A patient-centered counseling method, can help improve oral health awareness and practices in adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment. Adolescents often struggle to maintain good oral hygiene during orthodontic care, which can lead to complications such as gum disease, tooth decay, and poor treatment outcomes. Participants in this study will receive brief, structured conversations focused on encouraging them to set goals and take responsibility for their oral health. These interviews are designed to be non-judgmental and supportive, helping the participants explore their own motivations for keeping their teeth and gums healthy during braces treatment. The study will take place at a pediatric dentistry clinic and will involve adolescents aged approximately 14 to 19 who are receiving orthodontic care. The goal is to assess whether this type of communication improves their oral hygiene behaviors and outcomes compared to standard oral health education. Findings from this research may help pediatric dentists and orthodontists improve how they engage adolescent patients in taking care of their oral health.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07164989

Run by

University of Alabama at Birmingham

People needed

50

Starts

2025-10-28

Expected to finish

2026-07-31

Last updated by the study team

2026-02-03

Who can join

Age: 14 and older, up to 19. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Adolescents aged 14-19 years
• Currently undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment with active appliances in the mouth
• Available for three study encounters over a 6-month period
• Able to read, understand, and communicate in English without the use of a translator
• Able to provide consent, and whose parent/guardian also agrees to provide consent

You may not qualify if…

• Patients with systemic diseases or conditions that may impact oral health
• Patients who are expected to complete orthodontic treatment or have appliances removed within 6 months
• Individuals requiring interpreter services for participation
• Individuals unable or unwilling to provide consent (or whose guardians cannot provide consent)
• Currently enrolled in another behavioral or oral health intervention study.
• Any condition deemed by the investigators to make the participant ineligible for safe and effective participation.

Where it is running

• UAB School of Dentistry/ Department of Pediatric Dentistry — Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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