Comparative evaluation of "Tell-Tell-Tell," "Ask-Tell-Ask," and "Teach back" communication techniques on oral health education among 12-13-year-old children - An educational intervention trial.

Background: Effective communication with children can improve their understanding and aid in complying with oral hygiene instructions.

Aim: The aim is to compare the retentiveness of oral hygiene instructions in children educated using three communication techniques.

Methodology: One hundred and twenty children in the age range of 12-13 years were included in the study. Baseline awareness of oral hygiene maintenance was assessed using a questionnaire. Twenty children were randomly assigned to each group: Tell-Tell-Tell, Ask-Tell-Ask, Teach-back, and information provided. Knowledge was reassessed after a week; data were tabulated and assessed statistically.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline data among the groups (P > 0.05). Regardless of the group, there was an improvement in knowledge regarding the frequency and timing of brushing as well as the cause of dental caries after the intervention. However, children in Ask-Tell-Ask and Teach back showed significant improvement over Tell-Tell-Tell (P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusion: Communication strategies, such as Ask-Tell-Ask and Teach back, which have a strategy to involve children, have been shown to be superior over Tell-Tell-Tell.