Testing an intervention to promote good oral health in people with severe mental illness

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Tooth decay and tooth loss can have a big impact on general health and quality of life, and cause pain and difficulty when eating. This can reduce self-esteem and lead to problems in everyday life. People living with severe mental illness are much more likely to have tooth decay and to have lost their natural teeth. This can be due to several challenges related to mental illness, their use of medication and lack of support from health services. Oral health is often a low priority in caring for people with mental illness. We aim to create a support system in mental healthcare settings that will support them to maintain regular oral hygiene and help them enjoy good oral health.
We have already talked to people who experience mental ill health, their families and carers and mental health staff. Through several workshops with created a support system together to help people with mental ill health look after their teeth and mouth health.
In this study we will ask people who experience mental ill health to test out this support system. We will ask them what they thought of it and if they found it helpful or not. We will ask people to tell us how often they brushed their teeth before and after receiving support, and about their awareness of how to prevent dental diseases. We will also look at costs to see how much this system might cost the NHS.

Who can participate?
Adults aged over 18 years with a diagnosis of psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder or other non-organic psychosis can take part in the study. They should feel comfortable speaking English.

What does the study involve?
Once they have agreed to take part in the study, participants will meet a researcher who will collect questionnaire data on their mental and oral health. All participants will then receive advice on maintaining good oral health from a mental health professional in a separate appointment. The conversation should take around X minutes. Participants will be invited to another appointment at 3 and 6 months when they will be asked to complete some of the questionnaires again with a researcher. Some participants will also complete an interview with a researcher at 6 months if they opt in (5 participants from each NHS trust).

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Participants's oral health may benefit from the advice they were given. We don't anticipate any significant risks to participants, but some may find the topic of oral health distressing or sensitive.

Where is the study run from?
The study runs from two NHS trusts: Sheffield Health Partnership University and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) (UK)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
February 2026 to August 2026

Who is funding the study?
National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) (UK)

Who is the main contact?
Dr Masuma Mishu, masuma.mishu@ucl.ac.uk

Contact information

Study information

Eligibility

Locations

Countries of recruitment

• United Kingdom
• England

Study participating centres

Results and Publications

Editorial Notes

20/03/2026: The date of first enrolment was changed from 01/03/2026 to 17/02/2026. The date of final enrolment was changed from 31/03/2026 to 30/04/2026.
10/03/2026: Internal review.
23/02/2026: Contact details updated.
16/02/2026: Study's existence confirmed by the HRA.