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ECPD: TePe
Transforming behaviours: Supporting change and habit formation TePe is delighted to bring you this article, with the aim of supporting the ongoing Enhanced CPD needs of dental healthcare professionals in improving and maintaining the oral health of their patients Aims This article highlights the importance of interdental cleaning as part of a patients daily oral hygiene routine Learning objectives: • To review the importance of plaque removal, especially among high risk groups • To understand the Transtheoretical Model and how it impacts behaviour change • To be able to apply behaviour change techniques with the recommendation of specific oral hygiene devices that support patients in their journey Learning Outcome: A, D Excellent oral hygiene is the foundation of health for everyone, regardless of age, gender, background, beliefs, or any other factors. While the majority of the population knows this, not everyone is actively participating in an effective oral hygiene routine.
In particular, a spotlight is on mechanical removal of plaque at home. Dental plaque is central to the pathogenesis of periodontitis, emphasising the need to prevent colonisation in the oral cavity and the formation of a biofilm on the teeth and gingiva. i Effective plaque control and regular professional intervention are both crucial to ensuring that patients protect their mouths from periodontal disease. The literature shows that success is only achieved when effective oral hygiene instruction and ongoing communication a re available to patients. ii Individuals need to understand how oral hygiene works and how it impacts their broader health, as well as build confidence in their ability to optimise outcomes. This is especially important when considering high-risk groups, such as those with systemic conditions, iii those undergoing orthodontic treatment, iv or smokers. v Many people in these situations face a much higher risk of periodontal complications, elevating the impact of oral hygiene. Diabetic individuals with poor glycaemic control, for instance, have up to an 86% higher chance of developing periodontitis than those without the condition or with well-controlled diabetes. vi In addition to educating patients on the risks, dental professionals must also help them recognise the need for, and then implement, changes to their daily routines. This requires behaviour change techniques that facilitate the formation of new habits.
Stages of change
There are several models that demonstrate the process of behaviour change that may be of use. Among
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them is the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), vii which proposes six stages of change. Precontemplation At the very start of this journey, patients are not yet ready to make changes. This represents the initial recognition of a problem or unfavourable oral health outcome, as well as the possible need to address it. This might describe a patient who shows early signs of gingivitis, and – after seeing blood when they brush – acknowledges that something is wrong and that they should do something about it. To complete the questions and gain one hour of Enhanced CPD, visit https://cpd.the-probe.co.uk/
Contemplation The next step in the process is for the patient to engage further and perhaps do some research about gingival disease, its causes, and its implications. They may conduct an online search or ask their dental team for more information. While they are not ready to take action, they are better informed and taking their condition more seriously. Preparation As the patient improves their understanding of their oral health status, an enhanced appreciation for enhanced oral hygiene will be brought
The Probe | March 26
04/03/2026 22:17:42