Contingent public posting of photographs to reinforce dental hygiene. Promoting effective toothbrushing by elementary school children.

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of public posting of photographs as a reinforcer for low levels of dental plaque in first and second grade children. Using a multiple baseline design across classrooms, photographs were used after12 calendar days in classroom A and 28 calendar days in classroom B. Baseline consisted of feedback, instructions for plaque removal, praise for low levels of plaque, or encouragement to try harder if plaque levels were high. The following phase included the above components plus publicly posting the child's photograph contingent on low levels of plaque. When using photographs, there were reductions in the level of plaque in both classrooms, with clear downward trends apparent throughout the treatment phases.