Motivating older adults to visit the dentist through low-threshold check-ups
Can a Low-threshold Check-up Motivate Older People to Schedule a Dental Visit? A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if a simple check-up with a dental professional can encourage older adults to visit the dentist more often and improve their oral health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 194 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent) |
| Trial ID | NCT06341959 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates whether a low-threshold contact with an oral health professional can increase dental visits among older adults aged 65 and above. Participants in the intervention group will receive an oral health examination, tailored advice, and educational materials about oral hygiene. In contrast, the control group will not receive an examination but will be provided with information on local dentists and oral hygiene. The goal is to determine if direct interaction with a dental professional encourages better oral health practices in the elderly population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Dutch-speaking individuals aged 65 and older who have not had a dental check-up in the last 12 months.
Not a fit: Patients who have had a dental check-up in the past year or lack sufficient cognitive ability to participate may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve dental attendance and oral health among older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on this specific approach, similar interventions have shown promise in improving health outcomes in older populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * 65 years of age or older * home-dwelling within the selected regions (ELZ RITS en ELZ Scheldekracht) * Dutch speaking * no dental check-up in the last 12 months * sufficient cognitive ability to answer the questions Exclusion criteria: \- Failure to meet inclusion criteria
Where this trial is running
Ghent
- UGent — Ghent, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Barbara Janssens — University Ghent
- Study coordinator: Aster De Vleeschauwer
- Email: aster.devleeschauwer@ugent.be
- Phone: +32470475369
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.