Enhancing oral hygiene retention. A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of dynamic multimedia tools versus traditional leaflets

INTRODUCTION: Oral hygiene is of paramount importance for the preservation of oral health. Several clinical frameworks have been developed to foster behaviour change, such as motivational interviewing. However, two obstacles can be identified. Firstly, the sustainability of Oral Hygiene Education (OHE), which the patients receive during the consultation. Secondly, reinforcement over a period of time is difficult, thus leading to relapse.

AIMS and OBJECTIVE:

To compare E-learning of oral hygiene to traditional oral hygiene education. The full mouth plaque scores of study groups at baseline and 8 weeks of follow-up. To assess the psychological compliance of the subject to the dentist at 8 weeks of follow-up.

MATERIALS and METHODS:

100 systemically healthy subjects aged between 18-25 years were recruited after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria and then randomized into 4 groups. 1: Subjects educated using audio-visual aid only 2: Subjects educated using the pamphlet method only 3: Subjects educated using both audio-visual aid and pamphlet method 4: Subjects educated at the time of dental visit only Clinical parameters i.e., Plaque assessment (Quigley Hein plaque index) was evaluated at baseline and 8 weeks at follow-up followed by a questionnaire to assess the psychological component.