Scalable oral hygiene interventions based on behavioral science
This project aims to develop scalable oral hygiene interventions using behavioral science, focusing on motivational and facilitating determinants. The approach integrates clinical measures and salivary metabolomic profiles to validate behavioral models and enhance intervention efficacy.
Overview
This initiative focuses on creating scalable oral hygiene interventions through a behavioral science framework. By examining the motivational and facilitating determinants of oral hygiene behaviors, such as perceived threat and self-efficacy, the project seeks to develop interventions that are both effective and scalable. The approach combines self-reported behaviors, clinical measures, and salivary metabolomic profiles to create a comprehensive understanding of oral hygiene habits.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Integration of behavioral science models, including Social Cognitive Theory and the Health Belief Model, to identify key mediators and moderators of oral hygiene behaviors.
- Utilization of clinical measures such as toothbrushing observation scales, oral hygiene index, and visible plaque index.
- Incorporation of salivary metabolomic profiles to objectively validate self-reported and clinical measures.
- Focus on person-centered, personalized care models tailored to diverse, low-income adult populations.
- Community-informed research to enhance model validity and intervention uptake.
Technology readiness level
This project is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5. The interventions and models are being validated through recruitment from high-volume dental clinics, specifically targeting diverse low-income populations. This stage involves adapting existing pediatric oral health models to adults, ensuring the scalability and efficacy of interventions in real-world settings.
About Columbia University
Columbia University is a comprehensive private research university in New York City, combining an Ivy League academic profile with globally engaged scholarship and professional education. Its integration with a major hospital system through Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian enables clinical collaboration, access to diverse patient populations, and regulated studies at scale. State-of-the-art laboratories and shared core facilities across the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses support co-located industry projects, while proximity to New York’s finance, media, and healthcare ecosystems streamlines talent pipelines and pilot deployments. Industry engages via sponsored research, affiliate programs, executive education, and convenings that connect faculty expertise with corporate R&D priorities. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, and DoD, alongside New York State and philanthropic sources. Columbia Technology Ventures provides IP management, licensing, startup support, and translational funding mechanisms that lower barriers to commercialization.
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