UL Smile app to improve oral health in Portuguese teens
Official title: UL Smile - Mobile Application for Oral Health Promotion: Development and Effectiveness Evaluation in Adolescents Living in Portugal: A Randomized Controlled Field Trial
Run by University of Lisbon · NCT07276191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether the UL Smile mobile app can improve toothbrushing habits and oral health self-care in Portuguese adolescents aged 15 to 18.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Lisbon Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lisbon, Lisbon District) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 2, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07276191 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Portuguese-speaking adolescents aged 15–18 who have regular access to a smartphone or tablet with internet and are willing to use the app as instructed.
✕Probably not a fit
Those unlikely to benefit include adolescents outside the 15–18 age range, individuals not responsible for their own oral hygiene, people without internet-enabled devices, or anyone already using another oral health app.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The UL Smile program developed a personalized mobile app using a multidisciplinary team and behavior-change frameworks (Behaviour Change Wheel and BCTTv1) to support adolescent oral hygiene. The app includes interactive toothbrushing guidance with audio, video and 3D animations, educational content, gamified badges and achievements, reminders, motivational messages, and a clinician portal for tailored advice. After app development, a parallel-group randomized controlled field trial will be conducted in secondary schools in the Lisbon metropolitan area with entire classes randomly assigned to the app or usual oral hygiene consultations. Outcomes will focus on oral health behaviors, self-efficacy and related clinical indicators among Portuguese-speaking students aged 15–18 who have internet access and agree to use the app.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the app could help teenagers build and maintain better toothbrushing routines and reduce future risk of cavities and gum disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small trials and pilot studies of mHealth interventions for oral hygiene show promising improvements in brushing behavior and knowledge, but large school-based randomized trials remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be aged between 15 and 18 years at baseline. * Be fluent in Portuguese. * Have access to a mobile phone or computer/tablet with internet. * Be willing to participate in the study by providing signed assent/consent. For participants under 18 years old, consent must be signed by a legal guardian. * Use of the app at least twice during the first month of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Current or previous use of any oral health-related mobile application. * Not being responsible for their own oral hygiene.
Where it's running
-
Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Lisbon
Lisbon, Lisbon District, Portugal Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Joana F Costa, MSc, PhD student
- Email: joanac@edu.ulisba.pt
- Phone: +351 21 792 2600
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.