Using technology and peer support to help parents prevent early childhood dental issues
Official title: Technology-enabled Anticipatory Guidance and Peer Support in Empowering Parents to Prevent Early Childhood Caries: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by National University of Singapore · NCT06558955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a new program that uses technology and support from other parents can help moms and dads prevent dental problems in their young kids better than regular education.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National University of Singapore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 15, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06558955 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are mothers who are expecting or have infants under 3 months old, have internet access, and can communicate in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients whose children have serious medical conditions affecting oral health or who plan to emigrate within three years may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study tests the effectiveness of a technology-enabled approach combined with peer support to empower parents in preventing early childhood caries (ECC). It is designed as a randomized controlled trial with two groups: one receiving conventional oral health education and the other receiving the innovative intervention. Up to 600 mother-child pairs will participate, with the intervention group attending four online sessions tailored to their child's developmental milestones. Outcomes will be measured through questionnaires, food diaries, and dental examinations to assess the impact on parental efficacy, childcare practices, and the incidence of ECC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of early childhood caries and improve oral health practices among parents.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise with technology-enabled health interventions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Mother is currently expecting or has an infant below 3 months of age * Biological mother of the child * Mother with internet access and a mobile device * Mother can communicate in English * Mother aged 21 years and above Exclusion Criteria: * Child with disqualifying medical condition (e.g., tube feeding, severe neuromuscular disability) that would limit oral dietary intake, at-home oral hygiene practices, or receipt of dental examinations * Child with serious congenital syndrome that is expected to adversely affect the development of primary teeth * Family plans to emigrate within 3 years
Where it's running
-
National University Hospital
Singapore, Singapore Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Xiaoli Gao, PhD — National University of Singapore
- Study coordinator: Xiaoli Gao, PhD
- Email: dengx@nus.edu.sg
- Phone: (65) 6772 4990
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Effect of fluoride varnish and chlorhexidine on saliva biomarkers in children with and without active caries
The study tests whether salivary IL-6 and matrix metalloproteinases change after fluoride varnish alone or fluoride varnish with chlorhexidine in kids with active caries compared with caries-free children.
-
Silver Diamine Fluoride for Caries in Baby Teeth in Routine Dental Care
This study tests whether applying 38% silver diamine fluoride in everyday dental practice can stop decay in primary teeth of children 14 and younger.
-
Nano Silver Fluoride vs. Silver Diamine Fluoride for Kids’ Cavities
This study tests whether Nano Silver Fluoride can stop decay in children as well as Silver Diamine Fluoride.
-
Digital Caries Risk Questionnaire: does it match CAMBRA in Egyptian adults
A digital self‑administered caries risk questionnaire is being tested to see how well it matches the CAMBRA risk assessment in Egyptian adults who visit the dentist.
-
First permanent molars restored with Cention N in children
This trial tests whether restoring both first permanent molars with Cention N in children aged 8-10 is beneficial for clinical results, x-ray findings, and daily oral health quality of life over 12 months.
-
Ozone therapy to boost remineralization of early caries in kids
This study tests whether adding ozone therapy to a remineralizing gel helps children aged 6–12 remineralize early, non-cavitated caries lesions better than the gel alone.
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.