King's College London

Aim: In a two arm randomised controlled trial this study compared the effects of a routine periodontal assessment consultation vs. a routine consultation + individualised risk assessment communication intervention on patient thoughts and emotions about periodontal disease. Materials and Methods: Adults (N=102) with moderate/advanced chronic periodontitis referred to a Periodontology Department of a large UK dental school, completed psychological measures before a periodontal assessment and again at the end of the visit. Intervention participants received an individualised calculation of their periodontal disease risk using PreViser Risk Calculator in addition to their routine assessment consultation. Results: In routine care, patients’ thoughts about periodontal disease seriousness (p<0.001) and susceptibility (p<0.03) increased post-consultation and participants felt more positive (p<0.02) about periodontal disease. These effects were also seen in intervention participants. Additionally, the individualised risk communication intervention led to patients reporting i) periodontal disease treatment as more effective than they did pre-consultation (p<0.001), ii) feeling more confident in their ability to adhere to treatment as seen in increases in self-efficacy (p<0.05) and iii) higher intentions to adhere to periodontal management (p<0.03). Conclusions: Individualised periodontal disease risk communication influences psychological variables that underpin adherence with periodontal instructions.