A brief motivational intervention for heavy alcohol use in dental practice settings: rationale and development

J Health Psychol. 2013 Apr;18(4):542-53. doi: 10.1177/1359105312452314. Epub 2012 Jul 26.

Abstract

Although brief alcohol interventions have proven effective in a variety of health care settings, the present article describes the development of the first brief intervention for heavy drinkers in dental practice. Elements of motivational interviewing and personalized normative feedback were incorporated in a 3- to 5-minute intervention delivered by dental hygienists. The intervention is guided by a one-page feedback report providing personalized normative feedback regarding the patient's current oral health practices, their drinking in comparison to others, and oral cancer risk associated with current smoking and drinking. Future publications will present data regarding intervention effectiveness from an ongoing randomized trial.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / prevention & control*
  • Dental Care*
  • Dental Hygienists
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation*
  • Motivational Interviewing*
  • Patient Education as Topic*
  • Professional Role
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult