Empowering oral health professionals: Motivational interviewing to promote better oral hygiene

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a communication approach that empowers patients to make lasting improvements in their oral care routines and overall dental health. It helps patients identify their own motivations for better oral hygiene and facilitates the adoption of advanced solutions, such as antibacterial therapy, in a personalized and achievable way.

Reima Saarinen, an MI expert from Turku, Finland, emphasizes how MI benefits oral health professionals and patients by improving engagement, compliance, and treatment outcomes.

Originally applied in areas such as addiction, weight management, and chronic illness care, MI is now gaining recognition in promoting oral health. Saarinen highlights that MI builds empathy, trust, and cooperation, improving communication and care quality. Studies show it helps patients understand the importance of oral health and encourages them to follow recommended treatments.^1,2

“This approach allows patients to resolve ambivalence and discover their personal motivational factors,” Saarinen says, emphasizing its role in promoting sustainable behavioral changes.

The roots of motivational interviewing

Developed in the 1980s by American psychologist William R. Miller, motivational interviewing was initially designed to support positive change in addiction treatment. Stephen Rollnick later joined Miller to expand the approach to various fields, including health care, social work, and mental health. Their latest book, titled Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change, was published in 2012. The book’s fourth edition, which is fully rewritten and updated, was released in 2023.

Motivational Interviewing is seen as a valuable tool for oral health professionals to help patients overcome barriers to maintaining good oral hygiene. By fostering a positive, supportive relationship, motivational interviewing encourages patients to commit to self-care practices that feel achievable and meaningful.

The role of empathy and advanced techniques

Effective oral health promotion goes beyond merely sharing information; it requires a deep understanding of patients’ daily lives, approached with empathy and motivation.

MI can easily become part of daily routines for oral health professionals with small yet impactful changes. Techniques such as asking open-ended questions, reflective listening, positive feedback, and empathetic comments help create a more patient-centered approach, says Saarinen.

Educating patients on the link between oral health and overall health, such as its connection to heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s, helps them see oral hygiene as essential to their well-being.

When encouraging patients to adopt new oral care habits, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges they may face. With the right approach, however, these habits can become manageable and sustainable.

For example, oral health professionals can introduce advanced antibacterial methods by gently explaining their benefits in a motivating way. Presenting treatments like antibacterial therapy as personalized solutions tailored to the patient’s needs not only supports the adoption of advanced care but also builds the patient’s motivation to maintain their oral health.

“For those new to MI, focusing on foundational skills—such as demonstrating empathy, respecting the patient’s autonomy, and avoiding judgmental attitudes or rushing conversations—is crucial. These elements help create a supportive environment where patients feel safe and understood,” Saarinen explains.

Transforming oral health through empathy and innovation

Saarinen foresees professional training in MI becoming increasingly common, especially in fields requiring interpersonal interaction, such as social care, primary health care, dentistry, physiotherapy, and mental health.^3-5 With the rise of distance learning, training is now more accessible than ever.

“Further training in motivational interviewing is crucial,” Saarinen emphasizes. “While many professionals are familiar with the method, their practical skills often vary. Comprehensive training can enhance these skills, leading to better outcomes for patients and clients.”

“By using MI in dentistry, we guide patients to take ownership of their oral health in ways that feel realistic,” says Saarinen. Even small adjustments—such as introducing open-ended questions or emphasizing patient-led decisions—can transform clinical interactions, he concludes.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.

References

Gillam DG, Yusuf H. Brief motivational interviewing in dental practice. Dent J (Basel). 2019;7(2):51. doi:10.3390/dj7020051
Hooker S, Punjabi A, Justesen K, Boyle L, Sherman MD. Encouraging health behavior change: eight evidence-based strategies. Fam Pract Manag. 2018;25(2):31-36.
Lim D, Schoo A, Lawn S, Litt J. Embedding and sustaining motivational interviewing in clinical environments: a concurrent iterative mixed methods study. BMC Med Educ. 2019;19(1):164. doi:10.1186/s12909-019-1606-y
Bricker D. Clinicians’ pocket guide for motivational interviewing. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. August 2020. https://www.ahrq.gov/evidencenow/tools/pocket-guide-motivation.html
Douaihy A, Kelly TM, Gold MA, eds. Motivational Interviewing: A Guide for Medical Trainees. Oxford Academic; 2014. doi:1093/med/9780199958184.003.0005

Why use motivational interviewing in clinical practice?

Motivational interviewing (MI) fosters collaboration between health-care professionals and patients, emphasizing empathy, autonomy, and patient-centered care. Here’s why MI is invaluable in clinical practice:

Enhances patient engagement: MI encourages patients to actively participate in their care. By focusing on the patient’s perspective and goals, it builds trust and rapport, motivating them to take an active role in their health management.
Supports long-term behavior change including oral hygiene habits: MI goes beyond giving advice or instructions. It helps patients identify their intrinsic motivations for change, which can lead to sustained improvements in areas such as smoking cessation, weight management, oral hygiene, and chronic disease self-care. By empowering patients to take an active role in their health, MI also increases the likelihood of adopting new and advanced oral hygiene methods, such as antibacterial treatment.
Reduces resistance to change: Instead of confronting or prescribing solutions, MI uses reflective listening and open-ended questions to reduce defensiveness. This approach minimizes resistance and creates a supportive environment where patients feel heard and empowered.
Customizable across specialties: From managing diabetes and cardiovascular health to promoting better oral hygiene, MI can be adapted to various clinical settings and health concerns, making it a versatile tool for diverse patient needs.
Improves health outcomes: Research consistently shows that MI can lead to better adherence to treatment plans and improved health outcomes. It enables patients to align their health behaviors with their values, fostering meaningful and lasting change.
Promotes collaboration and respect: MI establishes a partnership between the health-care provider and patient, avoiding an authoritarian approach. It respects the patient’s autonomy, empowering them to take ownership of their health decisions.
Empowers health-care professionals: For practitioners, MI provides a structured yet flexible framework to address common challenges, such as noncompliance or ambivalence. It also reduces frustration by shifting the focus from persuasion to collaboration.

Sources

Gillam DG, Yusuf H. Brief motivational interviewing in dental practice. Dent J (Basel). 2019;7(2):51. doi:10.3390/dj7020051
Lim D, Schoo A, Lawn S, Litt J. Embedding and sustaining motivational interviewing in clinical environments: a concurrent iterative mixed methods study. BMC Med Educ. 2019;19(1):164. doi:10.1186/s12909-019-1606-y
Bricker D. Clinicians’ pocket guide for motivational interviewing. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. August 2020. https://www.ahrq.gov/evidencenow/tools/pocket-guide-motivation.html