In this video, the provider shows how to ask an open-ended question to gain additional information from an adolescent patient. Open-ended questions, as opposed to closed-ended questions (e.g., When was the last time you went to the dentist? Do you have any cavities?) often result in more descriptive answers and increase engagement in patients.
This video is part of the “Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry” series, which highlights skills and techniques used to effectively engage with patients and to encourage them to become designers of their own oral health care. Motivational interviewing promotes trust and collaboration between the care team and caregiver/patient and is a foundational skill of person-centered care