Can motivational interviewing for dental settings be taught online? Results of an uncontrolled interventional trial

Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based method of promoting oral healthcare behaviour. Conventional training of MI is a time-consuming and costly aspect in the dental curriculum. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptance of a MI-blended learning programme for dental students.

Dental students had to perform an interdisciplinary created "ecourse Motivational Interviewing in medical settings" (eMI-med). After completion, patient-student interviews were recorded and evaluated using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity Code (MITI-d). Furthermore, the students' self-efficacy regarding smoking cessation and oral hygiene motivation was examined and the acceptance of the tool was enquired.

Forty interviews with 25 different students were analysed with the MITI-d. Students showed high levels of MI-adherent behaviour (15.45 ± 6.98), open-ended questions (9.95 ± 6.90) and reflections (10.43 ± 8.85), which were comparable to previous classroom trainings. In addition, 90% of the students preferred e-learning over classroom teaching. Furthermore, the students' therapeutical self-efficacies were significantly increased by the programme.

Within the limitations of this study, the created e-learning programme was able to equip dental students with basic knowledge and MI skills. Furthermore, learning MI through e-learning may heighten the self-efficacy of dental students regarding smoking cessation and oral hygiene promotion. Students showed a high acceptance of e-learning, preferring it over traditional learning.