Gingivitis can develop within just 2–3 weeks without proper homecare, far sooner than most recall intervals. This course emphasizes the critical role of patient collaboration in achieving true preventive outcomes as a priority for health. Dental professionals must go beyond clinical recommendations to understand the psychology of behavior change and how the brain processes information.

Dental professionals have a wealth of knowledge related to behavior change models, but it is often difficult to decide which is the best approach. Behavior is complex and the many theories and models often have similar concepts, so digesting it into everyday use may seem daunting.

By exploring an evidence-based, 7-step protocol, you can strategically implement a preventive approach into current workflow during continuing care appointments.  This protocol integrates twelve behavior change models, neuroscience, and digital technology into a comprehensive path for lasting change. 

• Explain prevention as the pathway for decreasing oral disease.
• Identify how the patient’s brain processes information during a dental visit.
• Differentiate between goal setting and habit formation.
• Understand foundational psychological theories and health behavioral models within dentistry.
• Implement the prevention protocol as a pragmatic, evidence-based framework to translate theory into meaningful patient outcomes.

Heather Wong, MSDH, RDH has been in the dental industry for the last two decades as a clinician, educator, speaker, professional relations manager, author, thought leader for behavior change, and involved in legislative advocacy. She has now been the Professional Relations Manager for TePe Oral Health Care for over 6 years. Heather has been adjunct faculty at both Pacific University and Pasadena Community College, where she currently serves on the advisory board. She has served and supported the American Dental Hygienists’ Association at both the state and local levels as Treasurer, Trustee, and as a delegate, as well as a member of the CDHA. Heather has presented CE lectures with dental hygiene associations (state, national, and international), Western Society of Periodontology, California Society of Periodontology, ADHA, ISDH, and many webinars with TePe. Her research is focused on homecare and habit formation.