Using a smartphone app to improve oral health habits
Official title: Personalized Digital Behavior Change Interventions to Promote Oral Health
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11129631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new app called eBrush that helps people improve their tooth-brushing habits by giving personalized tips and support, making it easier for everyone to take better care of their teeth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $751,195 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DE028723-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over the age of 21 who are at risk for poor oral hygiene and dental disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who already maintain excellent oral hygiene practices may not receive significant benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to tackle the common issue of dental disease by developing personalized digital interventions that promote better oral hygiene behaviors. By utilizing an innovative app called eBrush, the project will monitor users' tooth-brushing activities and provide tailored guidance to improve their oral health practices. The approach involves engaging patients in the design of the app to ensure it meets their needs and preferences, ultimately aiming to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice in oral hygiene.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health outcomes and reduced incidence of dental disease among participants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using digital interventions to promote health behavior changes, indicating a promising approach for improving oral health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shetty, Vivek — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Shetty, Vivek
Related research
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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.