CompletedInterventional

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

This study focuses on improving dental health for people living with serious mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. We know that these conditions, and related medications, can often lead to more tooth decay and tooth loss, which can impact overall health and confidence. Our goal is to create and test a new support system within mental health services to help people properly care for their teeth and gums. We've worked closely with patients, families, and mental health staff to develop this system. We are now inviting adults over 18, with specific mental health diagnoses, to tell us if this new approach is helpful and easy to use. Your feedback will help us understand if this system could make a real difference to dental health.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

17 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2026

Oral health in people with severe mental illness (SMI; including psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder or other non-organic psychosis)

What is this study about?

Taking care of our teeth and gums is important for everyone, but it can be particularly challenging for people with serious mental health conditions. Things like certain medications, changes in daily routines, or simply not getting the right support can make it harder to prevent tooth decay and gum problems. This can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and can even affect how someone feels about themselves.

This study wants to change that. We've listened carefully to people with mental health conditions, their families, and mental health staff. Together, we've designed a new way to offer support for dental health within mental health services. We believe that by making dental care a clearer part of mental health support, we can help people keep their mouths healthier and feel better overall.

Now, we need your help to test this support system. If you take part, we'll ask you about your dental health habits and what you think of the new support you receive. Your experiences and honest opinions are really important to us. They will help us understand if this new system is useful, easy to follow, and if it could make a real difference for many more people in the future.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve dental health for people with serious mental illness.
Tests a new support system within mental health services.
Developed with input from patients, families, and staff.
Involves questionnaires, advice, and follow-up over 6 months.
Could help many people have healthier teeth and gums.
Runs from February 2026 to August 2026.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over. You need to have a diagnosis of a serious mental illness, which includes conditions like psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder. You should also feel comfortable speaking English.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are currently in an acute psychiatric ward, or if you are not able to understand and agree to take part in the study, unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to participate. We also can't include people who aren't able to communicate in English.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder?
Are you comfortable speaking and understanding English?
Are you not currently an inpatient in an acute psychiatric ward?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first meet with a researcher. They will ask you some questions about your mental and oral health. After this, a mental health professional will give you some advice on looking after your teeth and gums during another appointment. This conversation should take about the same amount of time as a short TV programme.

You'll then be invited to two more appointments, one after 3 months and another after 6 months, where you'll answer some of the questionnaires again with the researcher. These follow-up appointments help us see if the advice has made a difference over time. A small number of people will also be asked if they'd like to do an interview with a researcher at the 6-month mark to share more detailed thoughts, but this is completely optional. The study will run from February 2026 to August 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

You might find that the advice you receive helps you improve your dental health. We don't expect any serious risks from taking part. However, some people might find talking about dental health a bit sensitive or upsetting. Remember, taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (2)

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Darlington, England
Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Sheffield, England

Common questions

What kind of mental health conditions are included?

We are including conditions like psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder, among others.

Will I have to do anything complicated?

No, you'll mostly be talking to researchers and a mental health professional, answering questionnaires, and potentially having an interview if you choose.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study involves a few appointments over about 6 months, starting in February 2026 and finishing in August 2026.

Will I get free dental treatment?

The study offers advice on oral health, but it does not provide free dental treatment.

Can my family or carer join with me?

The study is for individuals with severe mental illness, but we encourage discussions with your family or carer about your participation.

How to find out more

Natalia Kika

n.kika@ucl.ac.uk N/A Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.