Evaluation of An Oral Health Education Program for Elementary School Students Based on Motivational Interviews

Background: Elementary school is a critical period for oral health because the incidence of dental caries is high, and early symptoms of gingivitis manifest.While existing oral health education improves knowledge, it has limitations in sustaining oral health behaviors.This study evaluated the effectiveness of an oral health education program based on motivational interviewing (MI), which enhances intrinsic motivation and promotes behavioral change.Methods: Thirty-five elementary school students (Grades 46) were recruited and assigned to an intervention group or a control group.The intervention group (n=16) received an MI-based oral health education program, whereas the control group (n=16) received standard education.The program was conducted once per week for five weeks (1 hour/session) and covered: Session 1: Understanding tooth structure, causes of caries, and setting oral health goals; Session 2: Learning how to perform rotational brushing and exploring ambivalence; Session 3: Learning how to use dental floss and tongue cleaners while reinforcing motivation; Session 4: Identifying cariogenic and protective foods; and Session 5: Developing a change plan and assessing self-confidence.Oral health behaviors, diet-related oral health behaviors, and oral hygiene skills were assessed pre-and post-intervention, and at follow-up.Results: Both groups showed significant post-intervention improvements.However, the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant group-time interactions and sustained improvements in all areas except diet-related behaviors.The control group showed a temporary increase followed by a decline.Conclusion: The MI-based oral health education program effectively improved and maintained oral health behaviors and oral hygiene skills.It can be applied to elementary school students to promote long-term changes in oral health behaviors.