Prevention is especially challenging with teenagers because they are much more motivated by short-term rewards than by long-term benefits. That is why our role is to translate prevention into something that feels relevant now.
Connect prevention to outcomes that matter in their daily lives:
“Confidence, comfort, and convenience: By reframing the message in terms of what matters to them right now, you transform prevention from a chore into a choice.”
— Dr Zuzana Neupauer
Integrate game-like elements into prevention:
Dr Neupauer explains that gamifying prevention can make it more appealing for the rewards-driven adolescent brain.
Suggest an app to track brushing and interdental cleaning habits. If they are motivated by competition, challenge them to achieve a 90% success rate before their next appointment.
Dive deeper into teen motivation
Investigating Hope in Oral Health Promotion for Adolescents
This 2024 study explores a novel idea: how dental professionals can intentionally inspire hope in teenage patients. Through observations in Norwegian clinics involving adolescents (ages 12–15), the study identifies key strategies such as bonding and empowerment, demonstrating how fostering hope could enhance well-being and patient-centred care in oral health settings.
To Motivate Teens, Ask Them “Who’s Your Future Self?”
This article from the world of education provides compelling evidence to support the notion that adolescents thrive when learning connects to their sense of purpose. Drawing on a 2021 study, it shows how project-based approaches (like applying classroom lessons to real-world problems) helps to boost teen engagement, self-reflection, and academic performance.
Up next: Exercise 1: From authoritative to collaborative