The Effect of Peer Video Modeling and 3D Jaw Video Modeling Training on Oral Health and Toothbrushing Skills in Children With Autism (RCT)

Ministry of Health, Turkey

Status: Completed

Conditions: Pediatric Nursing; Oral Hygiene, Oral Health; Dental Health; Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD

Treatments: Other: Peer video modeling; Other: 3D jaw video modeling

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07492810

Bezmialem Vakıf Uni, 25836

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study was conducted to improve the oral hygiene habits of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to compare the effects of peer video modeling and three-dimensional (3D) jaw model simulation methods. The research was carried out at Istanbul Hamit Ibrahimiye Special Education Practice School with a randomized controlled experimental design, involving 120 children aged 6-12 years. The participants were divided into three groups: peer video modeling, 3D jaw model simulation, and control. Data collection tools included a sociodemographic information form, oral and dental health knowledge form, plaque index, gingival index and tooth brushing evaluation forms. The study was evaluated based on assessments conducted at baseline, 1st month, 3rd month, and 6th month.

The findings of the study revealed that the peer video modeling method significantly reduced the plaque index (p < 0.05) and led to a notable improvement in tooth brushing skills. The improvement observed in the 3D jaw model simulation group was more limited. In terms of long-term effects, peer video modeling was found to have a lasting impact on children's oral hygiene habits (p < 0.01). These results indicate that peer video modeling is particularly more effective in promoting tooth brushing habits among children with ASD.

In conclusion, peer video modeling appears to be a more effective method for oral and dental health education in children with ASD. Future studies should examine its long-term effects in more detail across different age groups. In addition, developing guideline materials for parents and educators may be beneficial.

Enrollment: 120 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 6 to 12 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• The child responds to their name when called.
• The child maintains eye contact for at least 2-5 minutes.
• The child follows simple instructions (e.g., come, sit, open-close mouth).
• The child can use at. least one reward (food, toy, or verbal).
• No sensory hypersensitivity.
• No antibiotic use in the last month.
• No additional plaque control application in the last 5 months.
• At least 20 teeth present.
• Not undergoing orthodontic treatment.
• No systemic diseases affecting oral health (e.g., Down syndrome, diabetes).
• Average intelligence level comparable to peers.
• Able to brush teeth independently.

Exclusion criteria

• Inability to sit in a specific place for 10 minutes.
• Refusal of physical contact (mouth, face, body).
• Severe autism (Grade 3).
• Mental retardation.
• Lack of parental consent.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Diagnostic

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

---

120 participants in 3 patient groups

Peer video modeling

Experimental group

Description:

After obtaining written parental consent and demographic data, the study protocol is implemented. Oral examinations are conducted in the school infirmary by a pediatric dentist, under the researcher's supervision, using disposable materials. The number of teeth, caries and fillings, plaque index scores, and gingival health are recorded. Children and their parents then watch a 14-step toothbrushing instructional video in a separate classroom, in which a healthy 12-year-old boy demonstrates proper brushing behaviors with verbal instructions. Following the video, children practice brushing using a mirror and materials provided by the researcher. Performance is assessed using a 14-step tool scored from 0 to 3, and parents receive individualized feedback. For the peer video modeling group, a WhatsApp group is created, and parents are instructed to show the video daily before brushing. Assessments are conducted at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months using plaque and gingival indices.

Treatment:

Other: Peer video modeling

3D video modeling

Experimental group

Description:

After obtaining written parental consent and demographic data, the study protocol is implemented. Oral examinations are conducted in the school infirmary by a pediatric dentist under researcher supervision using disposable materials. The number of teeth, caries and fillings, plaque index scores, and gingival health are recorded. Children and their parents then watch a 14-step toothbrushing instructional video in a separate classroom, in which a 3D jaw model demonstrates proper brushing behaviors with verbal instructions. Following the video, children practice brushing using a mirror and materials provided by the researcher. Performance is assessed using a 14-step tool scored from 0 to 3, and parents receive individualized feedback. For the peer video modeling group, a WhatsApp group is created, and parents are instructed to show the video daily before brushing. Assessments are conducted at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months using plaque and gingival indices.

Treatment:

Other: 3D jaw video modeling

Control group

No Intervention group

Description:

After obtaining written parental consent and demographic information, the study protocol is initiated. Oral examinations are conducted at the school infirmary by a pediatric dentist under researcher supervision using disposable materials. During the examination, the number of teeth, caries and fillings, plaque index scores, and gingival health are systematically recorded. Children in the control group receive no intervention during the study period. Oral health assessments, including plaque index, gingival health, and toothbrushing performance, are conducted at predetermined time points (baseline, 1st, 3rd, and 6th months). At the end of the six-month study, children and their parents who have not received prior training are provided with toothbrushing education. The researcher demonstrates proper brushing techniques using a 3D jaw model in the school conference hall, and a peer video modeling material is sent to parents via e-mail or WhatsApp.