What is the purpose of motivational interviewing in dental hygiene?

Motivational interviewing is a patient-centered communication technique designed to enhance an individual's motivation to change. In the context of dental hygiene, its primary purpose is to improve patient compliance and encourage positive behavior changes related to oral health. By engaging patients in a collaborative dialogue, dental hygienists can help individuals explore their own motivations for maintaining good oral hygiene practices, like regular brushing, flossing, and attending dental appointments.

This technique involves active listening, open-ended questions, affirmations, and reflections to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to discuss their fears, barriers, and aspirations regarding their dental health. The ultimate goal is to foster an intrinsic motivation for behavior change, leading to better oral health outcomes.

While thorough dental evaluations, pain management solutions, and surgical procedures are important aspects of dental hygiene practice, none of these incorporate the specific focus on enhancing patient motivation and fostering behavioral change like motivational interviewing does. Thus, enhancing patient compliance and encouraging behavior change is the core objective of implementing motivational interviewing in dental hygiene practice.