Motivational Interviewing: Application to Oral Health Behaviors

Objectives: More knowledge is needed regarding efficient methods of oral health prevention and reducing disparities in oral health. Motivational interviewing (MI) has demonstrated utility for improving health behavior, including among those with serious mental illness (SMI). This study tests whether MI enhances the efficacy of an oral health education intervention in individuals with SMI. Material and Methods: Sixty individuals were randomly assigned to MI plus oral health education or oral health education alone. Plaque scores, oral health knowledge and self–regulation were assessed at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks. Results: Repeated–measures of ANOVA showed improvement (p<0.05) in plaque, autonomous regulation and oral health knowledge across time for both groups. However, individuals receiving MI improved significantly more when compared with those receiving only oral health education. Conclusion: Results suggest that MI is effective for enhancing short– term oral health behavior change for people with SMI and may be useful for the general population.