Creating a digital program to improve oral health habits in adolescents
Official title: Development and Evaluation of School-based Digital Adolescent Oral Health Promotion Program for the Reduction of Oral Health Disparities
Funded at Oregon Research Institute · NIH-10877920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a fun digital program to help teens, especially those from lower-income and minority backgrounds, take better care of their teeth by encouraging them to brush twice a day, avoid tobacco and vaping, and cut down on sugary drinks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Springfield, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $293,274 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3DE033198-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877920 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds or minority groups, who are at risk for dental caries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not face oral health disparities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a digital program that promotes healthy oral health behaviors among adolescents, particularly targeting those at higher risk for dental issues, such as lower-income and minority youth. The program will focus on encouraging twice-daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste, abstaining from tobacco and vaping, and reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Utilizing engaging videos and interactive games, the program is designed based on established behavioral theories to effectively influence and sustain positive oral health habits. The evaluation will assess the program's effectiveness in improving these behaviors among participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health outcomes and reduced disparities in dental health among adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using digital interventions to promote health behaviors, indicating potential for this approach in oral health.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Research Institute
Springfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Westling, Erika — Oregon Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Westling, Erika
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A national cancer prevention network in South Carolina is testing ways to spread proven cancer prevention and control messages and practices to underserved communities.
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Improving how schools deliver tooth care for kids using existing data
This project analyzes past school-based dental care data to help more underserved children get effective, affordable preventive treatment.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.