Motivation-Enhanced Communication for Dental Care

Overseen By Julie Horst

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The trial aims to find the best way to reduce missed dental appointments in clinics serving people with limited resources. It will test strategies such as sending reminder messages, allowing walk-in visits, and using motivation-enhanced communication (conversations designed to encourage commitment to appointments). The researchers seek to determine which method, or combination of methods, helps more patients attend their dental care appointments. They are looking for clinics that primarily serve self-pay or Medicaid patients and are open to changes to improve appointment attendance. Staff members at such clinics might be ideal participants. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to improving healthcare access and efficiency.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that these no-show intervention methods are safe?

Research shows that better communication helps people attend dental appointments more regularly and feel more satisfied with their care. Ensuring patients feel listened to and involved aids in following their dental care plans. Studies have found that patients appreciate this type of communication, and it is safe.

Similarly, sending reminder messages by text or email effectively reduces missed appointments. These messages are simple and have been shown to be safe for everyone.

Walk-in visits are a normal part of dental care. They are safe and routine, with no reports of problems specific to their use.

Overall, these methods—better communication, reminder messages, and walk-in visits—are safe and effective for people receiving dental care. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Motivation-Enhanced Communication for Dental Care trial because it explores innovative ways to improve dental health management. Traditional dental care often relies on regular check-ups and reminders, but this trial introduces motivation-enhanced communication to encourage better oral hygiene practices. This approach aims to increase patient engagement and adherence by combining personalized communication strategies with existing reminder systems. Additionally, the inclusion of walk-in visits offers more flexibility, making it easier for people to access dental care when they need it. By understanding how these methods work together, researchers hope to enhance patient motivation and improve dental health outcomes.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective in reducing no-shows?

This trial will evaluate different approaches to enhance dental care. Participants may receive motivation-enhanced communication, which research shows can significantly improve dental care by boosting patients' interest and confidence in maintaining their oral health. Studies suggest that effective communication can reduce dental fear and improve understanding of dental health, leading to healthier teeth and gums.

Another group will receive reminder messages. Research indicates that when patients choose their preferred reminder method, such as texts or emails, they are less likely to miss appointments. Text message reminders, in particular, have proven effective in helping teenagers improve their dental care.

Additionally, some participants will have access to walk-in visits, often used for emergency dental care, providing crucial assistance when urgent dental issues arise. While primarily for emergencies, these visits are vital, especially for those without regular dental appointments. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Todd Molfenter, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Chris Okunseri, BDS, MSc, MLS, DDPHRCSE

Principal Investigator

Marquette University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for staff at dental clinics that serve mostly self-pay and Medicaid patients. Participants must be willing to share clinic data, give consent, and support a project aimed at improving patient attendance.

Inclusion Criteria

Sites must serve at least a 51 percent self-pay and Medicaid patients

Sites must be willing to provide limited data sets of clinic data to the research team

Staff must be able and willing to provide written or verbal consent

Exclusion Criteria

No exclusion criteria for clinics or staff

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Implementation of different no-show interventions including reminder messaging, motivation-enhanced communication, and walk-in visits

12 months

Monthly data collection

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in show rates and organizational readiness for change

3 months

Survey administered at 3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Motivation-enhanced Communication
• Reminder Messages
• Walk-in Visits

Trial Overview The study tests if motivation-enhanced communication, reminder messages, or walk-in visits can reduce the number of people who miss their dental appointments in underserved communities.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Walk-in Visits Active Control 1 Intervention

Group II: Reminder Messages & Walk-in visits Active Control 2 Interventions

Group III: Walk-in visits & Motivation-enhanced Communication Active Control 2 Interventions

Group IV: Motivation-enhanced Communication Active Control 1 Intervention

Group V: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Group VI: Reminder Messages & Motivation-enhanced Communication Active Control 2 Interventions

Group VII: Reminder Messages, Walk-in visits, & Motivation-enhanced Communication Active Control 3 Interventions

Group VIII: Reminder Messages Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,249

Recruited

3,255,000+

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

Collaborator

Trials

312

Recruited

853,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11225999/

Strategies for Effective Dentist-Patient Communication Proficient communication skills with patients can greatly enhance a dentist's job, increase motivation, and enhance productivity., When ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10194348/

Effectiveness of brief motivational interviewing on ... A brief motivational interviewing intervention was superior to enhance perceived importance, interest and self-efficacy of oral hygiene behaviors.

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-dental-care-10-2024-de66b

Motivation-Enhanced Communication for Dental Care The studies on reminders and communication for dental care, such as text messages and postcards, show that patients generally have positive feelings about ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/396604274_Optimizing_Dental_Care_Outcomes_Through_Effective_Dentist-Patient_Communication

Optimizing Dental Care Outcomes Through Effective ... The objective of this study is to determine the level of dental anxiety, understanding of information provided at the dentist's, and to assess ...

5. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2024/8592336

Concordance and Clinical Outcomes Improvement ... The data presented suggest that effective motivational interventions are essential for improving oral hygiene and periodontal outcomes.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12564604/

Impact of Modern Communication in Transforming Dental Care Background: Effective dentist–patient communication is pivotal for quality dental care and patient satisfaction.

7. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41415-025-8670-y

Talk smart, treat better | British Dental Journal Research consistently shows that patients who feel heard and actively involved in decision-making are more likely to adhere to preventive and therapeutic ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667147625000585

The impact of dental assistants in modern oral healthcare Dental assistants are vital for clinical workflows, infection control, and patient education, enhancing efficiency and ensuring patient safety.