A PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE | by Kandice Swarthout, RDH, LPC
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a patient-centered counseling style aimed at eliciting behavior change by helping patients explore and resolve ambivalence. This course delves into the fundamental tenets of MI. It covers core principles such as collaboration, autonomy, and evocation. It outlines key techniques used in MI, including open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing (OARS). Additionally, it discusses strategies for managing patient ambivalence and resistance, and elaborates on the four processes of MI: engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning. By understanding and implementing these elements, dental professionals can effectively facilitate patients’ motivation and commitment to oral health behavior change.
Educational objectives
- Describe the core principles and spirit of motivational interviewing
- Identify and apply the key techniques of motivational interviewing
- Recognize and respond to patient ambivalence and resistance
- Implement the four processes and OARS skills of motivational interviewing
About the Author
Kandice Swarthout, RDH, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor and registered dental hygienist. She is a full-time dental hygiene educator in Texas. Kandice is the owner of Inspired Education & Wellness, where she is a speaker, writer, and private practice therapist. She combines her clinical dental and mental health experience to help other health-care professionals have a fulfilling work-life experience. Kandice is an approved provider under Texas Health and Human Services for human trafficking training for health-care professionals. Read her articles in DentistryIQ, Today’s RDH, and her blog on Facebook, Fearless Compassion: Stories of Personal Triumph. Contact Kandice at kandiceswarthout.com or on social media @ thecounselorhygienist.
Photo Credit: 188384285 © Prostockstudio | Dreamstime.com
Quick Access Code: 22432
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- 1 Test
- Course Certificate
CE credit(s): 3
Course Type: Written
Published Date: MAY 2025
This continuing education (CE) activity was developed by Endeavor Business Media with no commercial support.
This course was written for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, from novice to skilled.
Educational methods: This course is a self-instructional journal and web activity.
Provider disclosure: Endeavor Business Media neither has a leadership position nor a commercial interest in any products or services discussed or shared in this educational activity. No manufacturer or third party had any input in the development of the course content.
Requirements for successful completion: To obtain 3 CE credits for this educational activity, you must pay the required fee, review the material, complete the course evaluation, and obtain an exam score of 70% or higher.
CE planner disclosure: Laura Winfield, Endeavor Business Media dental group CE coordinator, neither has a leadership nor commercial interest with the products or services discussed in this educational activity. Ms. Winfield can be reached at lwinfield@endeavorb2b.com.
Educational disclaimer: Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to result in the participant being an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.
Image authenticity statement: The images in this educational activity have not been altered.
Scientific integrity statement: Information shared in this CE course is developed from clinical research and represents the most current information available from evidence-based dentistry.
Known benefits and limitations of the data: The information presented in this educational activity is derived from the data and information contained in the reference section.
Registration: The cost of this CE course is $39.00 for 3 CE credits.
Cancellation and refund policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contacting Endeavor Business Media in writing.
Provider information:
Dental Board of California: Provider RP5933. Course registration number CA code: 3-5933-22432. Expires APRIL 2028. “This course meets the Dental Board of California’s requirements for 3 units of continuing education.”
Endeavor Business Media is a nationally approved PACE program provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
11/1/2024 to 10/31/2028.
Provider ID# 320452
AGD code: 550
Endeavor Business Media is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHEBM (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit. AADH code: AADHEBM-378-5-2025-3
Endeavor Business Media is an ADA CERP–recognized provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of dental continuing education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to CERP at ada.org/goto/cerp.
