Increasing Patient Engagement in Care: Motivational Interviewing (Education‪)‬

Introduction Perhaps this scenario is familiar. L.S. has case type III chronic periodontitis. She completed nonsurgical periodontal therapy three years ago and was put on three-month maintenance. Despite several discussions about the need for shortened recall intervals, she routinely misses appointments and is often delinquent with respect to maintenance. Her home care is inadequate, and attachment loss is progressive. The dental hygienist is frustrated by the patient's unwillingness to adhere to oral hygiene recommendations and maintenance intervals. The patient is frustrated with being "hounded" by office staff to make frequent appointments and brush and floss more.