Teaching dental students motivational interviewing techniques: analysis of a third-year class assignment

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Health Behavior Change
• Patient Engagement

Background:

• Motivational interviewing (MI) is recognized for enhancing patient health behaviors and treatment adherence.
• Integrating MI training into dental curricula is a developing area of focus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief motivational interviewing (MI) training program for dental students.
• To assess the utility of a written paper assignment in evaluating students' understanding and application of MI techniques.

Main Methods:

• Third-year dental students received three hours of instruction on MI theory and techniques.
• Students were assigned to apply MI with a patient and document their experience in a paper.
• Student papers were analyzed for the appropriate use of MI techniques, including managing patient resistance and matching interventions to readiness to change.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated effective use of MI techniques, such as recognizing and responding to patient resistance.
• Interventions were appropriately matched to patients' stages of readiness to change.
• The paper assignment effectively assessed students' understanding and application of MI principles.

Conclusions:

• A brief MI training intervention within a dental school curriculum can effectively equip students with essential patient engagement skills.
• The paper assignment serves as a valuable tool for assessing students' comprehension and practical application of motivational interviewing.
• This approach supports the integration of behavioral science into dental practice for improved patient outcomes.