Evaluating a Link Work Intervention to Increase Dental Visits in Adults with Severe Mental Health Issues

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a link work intervention designed to help people with severe mental health difficulties attend routine dental appointments. The study focuses on two main outcomes attendance at dental visits and oral health-related quality of life. The trial aims to improve dental access and oral health among people with severe mental illness, addressing inequities in care. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups treatment as usual or treatment as usual plus the link work intervention. Treatment as usual may include support from mental health professionals and usual oral health care. The link work intervention consists of six sessions over nine months, where a link worker provides practical and emotional support to help participants access routine dental care. Participants will complete assessments at the start and after nine months, including questionnaires and data collection on dental visits. Researchers will evaluate dental appointment attendance, oral health quality of life, and other factors such as dental anxiety, self-esteem, and healthcare use. The study includes a cost-effectiveness analysis and a qualitative evaluation to understand how the intervention works and could be implemented.

The Mouth Matters in Mental Health Trial -2