title: Behavioral dentistry: a multiple-baseline study incorporating contracting with patients.
abstract: The present investigation examined the effects of contracting upon modification of oral hygiene skill and plaque indexes. Three males and one female from a VA domiciliary attended 20 oral hygiene patient-education classes during which personalized flossing and brushing instructions were given. Double-blind personal contracting procedures were applied within a multiple-baseline design across subjects and behaviors. Responses indicated that signing either the skill or plaque contract modified the related index in the desired direction. Contracting appears a viable strategy for selected oral hygiene problems.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D009911:Oral Hygiene Index; D012114:Residential Treatment; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology