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Oral Hygiene MotivationNCT07917286

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Oral Hygiene Motivation Methods Among Dentistry and Psychology Students

A study testing Verbal Motivation, Model Demonstration and Plaque Disclosing in people with Oral Hygiene Motivation and Oral Hygiene, run by Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University at 1 site in Cyprus.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study aimed to compare the short-term effects of three oral hygiene motivation methods on dental plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation among Dentistry and Psychology students. It also aimed to evaluate whether the effects of these methods differed according to academic department. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 28 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Verbal Motivation, Model Demonstration and Plaque Disclosing
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
120 participants
Where
1 siteCyprus
Study dates
2 Dec 2025to 27 Feb 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 28 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Students aged 18-28 years.
  • Enrollment in the Dentistry or Psychology department at Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University.
  • Voluntary agreement to participate in the study.
  • Provision of written informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Presence of systemic disease.
  • Ongoing orthodontic treatment.
  • Periodontal or oral conditions that could affect plaque and gingival index measurements.
  • Clinical findings consistent with periodontitis.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Cyprus1 site
  • Cyprus Health And Social Sciences University

    Mórfou, 99750

Other trials in Cyprus

About this study

Official title: Comparison of the Effectiveness of Oral Hygiene Motivation Methods Among University Students

This study aimed to compare the short-term effects of three oral hygiene motivation methods on dental plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation among Dentistry and Psychology students. It also aimed to evaluate whether the effects of these methods differed according to academic department.

This randomized clinical trial included 120 students aged 18-28 years who were enrolled in the Dentistry and Psychology departments at Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University. Participants were randomly assigned within each department to one of three oral hygiene motivation methods: verbal instruction, dental model demonstration, or plaque-disclosing agent-supported motivation.

Read more

All participants received the same standardized oral hygiene content, information leaflet, toothbrush, and toothpaste, while the motivational approach differed between groups. Professional scaling and polishing were also performed for all participants. The Silness-Löe Plaque Index (PI) and Löe-Silness Gingival Index (GI) were recorded at baseline and three weeks after the intervention.

The study evaluated changes in plaque and gingival indices to compare the effectiveness of the three motivation methods and assess whether their effects differed between Dentistry and Psychology students.

Read the detailed description

This single-center randomized clinical trial was conducted among Dentistry and Psychology students at Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University between December 2025 and February 2026. The primary aim was to compare the short-term effects of three oral hygiene motivation methods on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. The secondary aim was to evaluate whether the effects of these methods differed between Dentistry and Psychology students.

A total of 120 students aged 18-28 years participated in the study, including 60 Dentistry students and 60 Psychology students. Within each academic department, participants were randomly allocated to one of three motivation methods using computer-generated random allocation sequences. Six study groups were formed, each consisting of 20 participants.

At baseline (T0), plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation were assessed using the Silness-Löe Plaque Index (PI) and Löe-Silness Gingival Index (GI), respectively. Following these assessments, the assigned motivation intervention was delivered in a single session. All participants received the same standardized core oral hygiene information covering dental plaque, toothbrushing, and interdental cleaning. However, the groups differed in how this information was delivered and in the motivational approach used. In the verbal motivation group, the information was delivered verbally. In the dental model demonstration group, the same information was demonstrated on a dental model. In the plaque-disclosing agent-supported group, dental plaque was visualized intraorally using a plaque-disclosing tablet, and individualized visual feedback was provided using a mirror.

After completion of the group-specific motivation interventions, all participants underwent professional scaling and polishing on the same day. All participants also received the same standardized oral hygiene information leaflet, toothbrush, and toothpaste. No additional motivational intervention or reminder was provided during the three-week follow-up period.

Clinical measurements at baseline (T0) and three weeks after the intervention (T1) were performed by a separate examiner who was unaware of the participants' group assignments. Changes in plaque and gingival indices were evaluated to compare the effects of the three motivation methods. Additionally, the study examined whether these effects differed between Dentistry and Psychology students.

Being tested
Verbal Motivation, Model Demonstration, Plaque Disclosing
Keywords
Oral hygiene motivation methods, Plaque index, Gingival index, Plaque-disclosing agent, University students
Medical subject headings
Dental Plaque

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Verbal MotivationBehavioural

    Participants received a single session of standardized oral hygiene education delivered verbally after baseline plaque and gingival index measurements. The education covered oral hygiene, dental plaque, toothbrushing, and interdental cleaning, including recommendations to brush twice daily for two minutes and use dental floss daily. The same standardized oral hygiene information leaflet was provided to all study groups. Following the motivation session, participants underwent professional scaling and polishing and received the same toothbrush and toothpaste as the other groups. No additional motivational intervention or reminder was provided during the three-week follow-up period.

  • Model DemonstrationBehavioural

    Participants received a single session of standardized oral hygiene education demonstrated by the researcher on a dental model after baseline plaque and gingival index measurements. The education covered oral hygiene, dental plaque, toothbrushing, and interdental cleaning, including recommendations to brush twice daily for two minutes and use dental floss daily. The same standardized oral hygiene information leaflet was provided to all study groups. Following the motivation session, participants underwent professional scaling and polishing and received the same toothbrush and toothpaste as the other groups. No additional motivational intervention or reminder was provided during the three-week follow-up period.

  • Plaque DisclosingBehavioural

    Participants received a single session of standardized oral hygiene education supported by intraoral application of TePe PlaqSearch™ plaque-disclosing tablets after baseline plaque and gingival index measurements. Disclosed plaque areas were shown using a mirror, inadequately cleaned areas were pointed out, and individualized visual feedback was provided. The education included recommendations to brush twice daily for two minutes and use dental floss daily. The same standardized oral hygiene information leaflet was provided to all study groups. Following the motivation session, participants underwent professional scaling and polishing and received the same toothbrush and toothpaste as the other groups. No additional motivational intervention or reminder was provided during the three-week follow-up period.

Study groups in NCT07917286
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Dentistry - Verbal MotivationExperimentalThis arm included 20 Dentistry students. At baseline (T0), plaque and gingival indices were measured before the intervention. Participants then received standardized oral hygiene education delivered verbally, together with a standardized oral hygiene information leaflet. Following the motivation intervention, professional scaling and polishing were performed, and participants received the same toothbrush and toothpaste as the other study groups. Plaque and gingival indices were reassessed three weeks after the intervention (T1).
Receives: Behavioral: Verbal Motivation
Dentistry - Model DemonstrationExperimentalThis arm included 20 Dentistry students. At baseline (T0), plaque and gingival indices were measured before the intervention. The researcher then demonstrated the standardized oral hygiene content, which was identical across all study groups, on a dental model. Participants also received the same standardized oral hygiene information leaflet provided to all groups. Following the motivation intervention, professional scaling and polishing were performed, and participants received the same toothbrush and toothpaste as the other study groups. Plaque and gingival indices were reassessed three weeks after the intervention (T1).
Receives: Behavioral: Model Demonstration
Dentistry - Plaque DisclosingExperimentalThis arm included 20 Dentistry students. At baseline (T0), plaque and gingival indices were measured before the intervention. Participants then received standardized oral hygiene education supported by intraoral application of TePe PlaqSearch™ plaque-disclosing tablets. The disclosed plaque areas were shown to participants using a mirror, inadequately cleaned areas were pointed out, and individualized visual feedback was provided. Participants also received the same standardized oral hygiene information leaflet as all other groups. Following the intervention, professional scaling and polishing were performed, and participants received the same toothbrush and toothpaste as the other groups. Plaque and gingival indices were reassessed three weeks after the intervention (T1).
Receives: Behavioral: Plaque Disclosing
Psychology - Verbal MotivationExperimentalThis arm included 20 Psychology students. At baseline (T0), plaque and gingival indices were measured before the intervention. Participants then received standardized oral hygiene education delivered verbally, together with a standardized oral hygiene information leaflet. Following the motivation intervention, professional scaling and polishing were performed, and participants received the same toothbrush and toothpaste as the other study groups. Plaque and gingival indices were reassessed three weeks after the intervention (T1).
Receives: Behavioral: Verbal Motivation
Psychology - Model DemonstrationExperimentalThis arm included 20 Psychology students. At baseline (T0), plaque and gingival indices were measured before the intervention. The researcher then demonstrated the standardized oral hygiene content, which was identical across all study groups, on a dental model. Participants also received the same standardized oral hygiene information leaflet provided to all groups. Following the motivation intervention, professional scaling and polishing were performed, and participants received the same toothbrush and toothpaste as the other study groups. Plaque and gingival indices were reassessed three weeks after the intervention (T1).
Receives: Behavioral: Model Demonstration
Psychology - Plaque DisclosingExperimentalThis arm included 20 Psychology students. At baseline (T0), plaque and gingival indices were measured before the intervention. Participants then received standardized oral hygiene education supported by intraoral application of TePe PlaqSearch™ plaque-disclosing tablets. The disclosed plaque areas were shown to participants using a mirror, inadequately cleaned areas were pointed out, and individualized visual feedback was provided. Participants also received the same standardized oral hygiene information leaflet as all other groups. Following the intervention, professional scaling and polishing were performed, and participants received the same toothbrush and toothpaste as the other groups. Plaque and gingival indices were reassessed three weeks after the intervention (T1).
Receives: Behavioral: Plaque Disclosing

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Plaque Index (Silness-Löe) from Baseline to Three Weeks

    Dental plaque accumulation was assessed using the Silness-Löe Plaque Index (1964). The buccal/facial, lingual, mesial, and distal surfaces of all evaluable teeth, excluding third molars, were scored on a scale from 0 (no plaque) to 3 (abundant plaque accumulation). The mean score across evaluated sites was calculated for each participant. Change was calculated as the three-week score minus the baseline score (T1-T0). Negative values indicate a reduction in plaque accumulation.

    Measured: Baseline (T0) and 3 weeks after intervention (T1)

  2. Change in Gingival Index (Löe-Silness) from Baseline to Three Weeks

    Gingival inflammation was assessed using the Löe-Silness Gingival Index (1963). The distofacial papilla, facial gingival margin, mesiofacial papilla, and lingual gingival margin of all evaluable teeth, excluding third molars, were scored on a scale from 0 (normal gingiva) to 3 (severe inflammation). The mean score across evaluated sites was calculated for each participant. Change was calculated as the three-week score minus the baseline score (T1-T0). Negative values indicate a reduction in gingival inflammation.

    Measured: Baseline (T0) and 3 weeks after intervention (T1)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted4 Nov 2026
  2. Study start2 Dec 2025
  3. Primary completion27 Feb 2026
  4. Study completion27 Feb 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
The study included 60 Dentistry students and 60 Psychology students. For each academic department, a separate computer-generated random allocation sequence was created in advance so that 20 participants would be assigned to each of the three oral hygiene motivation methods. Eligible students who provided written informed consent were assigned, according to their order of participation, to the corresponding motivation group in the pre-generated sequence for their department. Six parallel groups were formed, with 20 participants in each group. Following baseline plaque and gingival index measurements, each participant received the assigned motivation intervention, followed by professional scaling and polishing. All participants were reassessed after three weeks.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
120 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07917286
Sponsor's protocol ID
KSTU//2025/037
Status last verified
Oct 2026
First submitted
29 Oct 2026
Last updated
4 Nov 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Verbal Motivation, Model Demonstration and Plaque Disclosing in people with Oral Hygiene Motivation and Oral Hygiene, run by Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University at 1 site in Cyprus.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Cyprus. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Plaque Index (Silness-Löe) from Baseline to Three Weeks (time frame: Baseline (T0) and 3 weeks after intervention (T1)). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Nov 2026.

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