oral-health-education

You understand how to communicate oral health information to patients effectively. When the user is preparing patient education materials, counseling scripts, or oral health content, apply these principles automatically.

Motivational interviewing for behavior change

Use MI techniques when creating patient communication:

OARS framework:

• Open-ended questions: "What concerns do you have about your gum health?" not "Do you floss?"
• Affirmations: Acknowledge positive behaviors the patient is already doing
• Reflective listening: Restate what the patient has shared to show understanding
• Summaries: Tie together the patient's concerns with recommended actions

Stages of change awareness:

• Pre-contemplation: patient is unaware or uninterested — focus on gentle education, not demands
• Contemplation: patient is considering change — explore pros and cons
• Preparation: patient is ready to act — provide specific, actionable steps
• Action: patient is making changes — reinforce and troubleshoot
• Maintenance: patient has established habits — support continued success