Interactive Parent-Targeted Text Messaging in Pediatric Clinics to Reduce Caries Among Urban Chil… (NCT03294590) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Interactive Parent-Targeted Text Messaging in Pediatric Clinics to Reduce Caries Among Urban Children
United States754 participantsStarted 2018-03-09
Plain-language summary
This is a randomized clinical trial to test the efficacy of a parent-targeted text message-based intervention program on caries incidence and oral health behaviors (child and parent). Parents (n= 850) across all pediatric clinic sites (Boston Medical Center and Community Health Centers (CHCs); DotHouse CHC, South End Community Health Center, and Codman Square CHC) will be randomized to receive either text messages (TMs) regarding oral health or TMs regarding child wellness. The study will enroll English and Spanish speaking parents and their youngest child who is \< 7 years old, has at least one tooth showing, and attends the targeted pediatric clinic to receive primary care (n= 1700). Parents will complete self-report surveys at baseline, and 2, 4, 12, and 24-months after baseline; receive and respond to TM assessments during the 4-month intervention; and will also receive TMs during a 'booster' period of one month, which will occur 12-months post baseline. Parent's children will be assessed for caries by a clinical oral examination performed by licensed Clinical Examiners at baseline, 12-and-24-months post-baseline.
Who can participate
Age range
0 Months – 7 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Caregiver must be a parent or legal guardian of a child less than 7 years old, and the child must have their first tooth showing
. The child must receive medical care at one of the participating pediatric clinics.
. Speak, understand, and read either English or Spanish
. Have a mobile phone.
Exclusion criteria
. Children with severe congenital tooth malformations: At screening the caregiver will be asked if their child has known systemic diseases associated with abnormal tooth development or abnormal oral health status such as cleft lip or palate, amelogenesis imperfecta, or dentinogenesis imperfecta.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Dental Caries Increment
Timeframe: 24-month time point (oral assessment)
2
Parent/Caregiver Confidence to Brush
Timeframe: 4-month time point (survey)
3
Parent/Caregiver Motivation to Perform Oral Health Behaviors
Timeframe: 4-month time point (survey)
4
Parent/Caregiver Outcome Expectations for Oral Health Behaviors