Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
How to influence patient oral hygiene behavior effectively
J E Clarkson1, L Young, C R Ramsay
1DHSRU, University of Dundee, MacKenzie Building, Kirsty Semple Way, Dundee, DD2 4BF UK.
None:
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.
Related Concept Videos
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
The Oral Microbiota
Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
