Enhanced efficacy of oral hygiene instructions during motivational interviewing using intraoral scanner technology: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of an intra-oral scanner (IOS) as adjunctive tool to perform oral hygiene instructions during motivational interviewing (MI). METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) was performed in patients diagnosed with periodontitis Stage I-II, Gade A-B. Full Mouth Plaque Score (FMPS) (primary outcome) and Full Mouth Bleeding Score (FMBS) were recorded ad baseline (T0). Consequently, test group was scanned with an IOS, a digital 3D model created and was used during MI including oral hygiene instructions (OHI), while control patients received MI only. After ≥ 66 days (mean: 72 days) (T1), FMPS and FMBS as well as patients’ level of adherence and concordance by means of dedicated questionnaires were assessed and compared to T0. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients (mean age 58.2 ± 15.2; 47 female; 62 non-smokers; 18 light smokers) were randomized and available for analysis. Mean FMPS change was 16.65 ± 22.95 for the test group and 6.98 ± 19.41 for the control group (p = 0.045), while FMBS change was 6.77 ± 7.30 for the test group and was 4.64 ± 12.87 for the control group (p = 0.366). Time for MI was 24.02 ± 1.60 min (Test group) and 22.52 ± 1.79 (Control group) (p < 0.001). Patients’ adherence, recorded as interdental care, showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the test group (test group: “yes”=37 (92.5%); “no”=3 (7.5%); control group: “yes”=23 (57.5%); “no”=17 (42.5%) (p < 0.001)). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this RCT, the implementation of IOS to generate digital three-dimensional models of patients’ dentition demonstrated potential for improving the effectiveness of OHI during a single-session MI in terms of FMPS reduction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The incorporation of intraoral scanning technology may represent a beneficial visual adjunct that strengthens patient-clinician communication and could contribute to enhanced self-performed oral hygiene, improved plaque control, and increase patient adherence.