Speaker

Professor Colman McGrath

Topic

Theory-Based Oral Health Promotion Interventions

Abstract

Oral diseases are largely social and behavioural in aetiology. Oral health behaviours are key to attaining and maintaining oral health, and it is important for patients and communities to develop appropriate personal skills in this regard. Eliciting and maintaining ‘healthy’ behaviours for patients and the public is a central element of oral health promotion. In this seminar an introduction to key theories relating to oral health behaviour will be provided. Health behaviour models and theories are helpful to describe, predict and explain oral heath behaviours among patients and the community. Moreover, theories, frameworks and models of behaviour are useful to consider in informing the design of dental education and oral health promotion activities to enhance the chances of success in oral heath behaviour modification. An overview of the use and effectiveness of health behaviour models in the oral health context will be provided drawing on the evidence to date.

Biography

Professor Colman McGrath is Clinical Professor & Chief of the Division of Applied Oral Sciences & Community Dental Care at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong. His primary research interest is in behaviour and social sciences, with a particular interest in Aged Care and Special Care Dentistry. He has authored over 300 research papers in respected international journals with a h-index of 81. Recently, he was recognized as one of the top 2% of Scientists globally by Stanford University Rankings. Additionally, he has held leadership roles in various dental research groups and organizations, including serving as the past President of the Behavioural, Epidemiology and Health Service Research Group of the International Association of Dental Research. He is also actively involved in the Scientific Committee of the International Association of Disability and Oral Health (iADH) and currently holds the position of Vice President of The Dental Anaesthesiology & Special Care Dentistry (DASCR) within the International Association of Dental Research. In 2024, he was honoured with the Distinguished Service Award from the International Association of Dental Research.

Speaker

Dr Chung Ming Leung

Topic

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Dentistry

Abstract

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy approach that aims to help individuals recognize and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors. Grounded in the belief that thoughts, emotions, and actions are interconnected, CBT facilitates emotional well-being and behavioral improvements through the alteration of detrimental cognitive patterns. Widely utilized in the treatment of mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder, CBT has shown promise in dentistry. In this context, CBT can enhance oral health behaviors and address chronic orofacial pain issues. This abstract will explore the application of CBT in dental settings, focusing on motivating patients to adopt lasting behavioral changes and overcoming psychologic obstacles to dental care from a clinical psychologist’s perspective. Practical guidance and real-world examples will be provided to illustrate the integration of CBT into routine clinical practice.

Biography

Dr Leung Chung Ming is a registered Clinical Psychologist accredited by the Department of Health of HKAR Government, a Registered Play Therapist (APPTA), a Registered EMDR Therapist (EMDR Association of Hong Kong), and currently serves as the acting Chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology at The Hong Kong Psychological Society (DCP). Additionally, she holds the position of Director and acting Chief Executive Officer at the HealthyMind Child Development Centre. With prior experience working as a Clinical Psychologist at Queen Mary Hospital and Tsan Yuk Hospital, Dr Leung now operates a private clinic, where she draws upon her extensive clinical background to address a wide range of psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, eating disorders, and family-related issues. She has a particular focus on assisting children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental challenges, psychological concerns, and special educational needs. Dr Leung actively engages in community initiatives aimed at promoting mental health through various platforms, including contributions to books, newspapers, appearances on TV and radio programs, delivering talks in school environments, and catering to corporate clients. One of her books was honored with the Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Awards 2023.