Dentistry is a science rooted in biology, technology, and techniquebut increasingly, its future is also shaped by behavior. From patient adherence and dental anxiety to staff motivation and public health campaigns, behavioral science plays a pivotal role in improving both outcomes and experiences in oral healthcare.
Enter the Behavioral Science Advisor: a rising career path that bridges psychology and dentistry to influence behavior, drive engagement, and foster long-term oral health. At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we recognize that great dentistry goes beyond the drillit involves understanding people. This blog explores how behavioral science advisors contribute to the dental field, how to become one, and why their role is growing in importance across clinics, organizations, and education.
What Is a Behavioral Science Advisor in Dentistry?
A behavioral science advisor in dentistry applies psychological theories and data-driven strategies to influence positive behavior change in patients, providers, and systems. They may consult with dental practices, dental service organizations (DSOs), public health agencies, or academic institutions to address:
Patient behavior (e.g., improving oral hygiene habits, reducing dental fear)
Staff behavior (e.g., enhancing teamwork, motivation, and communication)
Practice systems (e.g., optimizing appointment adherence and recall effectiveness)
Health campaigns (e.g., designing outreach or public education materials)
Curriculum development (e.g., teaching behavioral approaches in dental schools)
Their work is grounded in evidence-based theories like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, behavioral economics, and habit formation science.
Why This Role Is Emerging in Dentistry
Patient Engagement Is a Top Priority
With increasing emphasis on patient-centered care, dental practices are looking for new ways to improve treatment acceptance, reduce cancellations, and boost compliance with home care instructions. Behavioral science provides proven tools to influence these outcomes.
Mental Health & Dental Anxiety
An estimated 1 in 5 adults experience moderate to severe dental anxiety. Behavioral science advisors help design systems and communication strategies to reduce fear and improve comfort.
Public Health Campaigns
Governments and nonprofits increasingly use behavior change models to promote oral hygiene, tobacco cessation, fluoride use, and childhood dental visits. Advisors guide message framing and campaign design.
Team Communication & Leadership
From burnout prevention to constructive feedback, behavioral science also informs how dental teams function. Advisors may support clinics in building emotionally intelligent leaders and cohesive cultures.
Technology Integration
Digital health tools like mobile apps, reminders, and gamified education platforms often rely on behavioral nudges. Advisors contribute to UX design, language, and content strategy to make these tools more effective.
Where Behavioral Science Advisors Work
Dental practices or group practices (as internal consultants or part-time advisors)
Public health departments or nonprofit organizations
Dental schools or continuing education programs
Dental insurers focused on preventive engagement
Dental product companies and health tech startups
Dental service organizations (DSOs)
Research institutions or think tanks
Key Responsibilities
Analyze behavioral barriers to oral health adherence
Design behaviorally-informed patient education materials
Conduct staff training on communication and patient motivation
Consult on systems that reduce missed appointments or improve recall rates
Support curriculum development for dental and hygiene schools
Apply behavioral insights to improve workflow and team performance
Collaborate with marketing teams to develop persuasive, ethical messaging
Education & Background
Theres no one path to becoming a behavioral science advisor in dentistry, but ideal candidates often combine backgrounds in:
Behavioral science or psychology (BSc, MSc, or PhD)
Public health, sociology, or anthropology
Communication sciences or health promotion
Dental hygiene, dental assisting, or dentistry (with further behavioral training)
Organizational psychology or change management
Supplementary credentials may include:
Certificate in Motivational Interviewing or Behavioral Economics
Continuing education in health psychology or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Training in design thinking or UX research (for tech-focused roles)
Essential Skills
Ability to translate theory into practical, clinical applications
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Research and data analysis capabilities
Empathy and cultural sensitivity
Workshop facilitation and team training
Collaborative mindset to work across disciplines
How to Start Your Career as a Behavioral Science Advisor
Gain Knowledge in Both Domains
If youre a behavioral professional, learn the dental context. If youre a dental professional, study behavioral science principles and frameworks relevant to healthcare.
Identify a Niche or Specialty
You may focus on anxiety management, preventive health behavior, team communication, public health campaigns, or patient technology design.
Build a Portfolio
Start small by offering behavioral insights to a local clinic, volunteering with a dental health nonprofit, or writing articles on behavioral topics in dentistry. Document your impact.
Join Cross-Disciplinary Communities
Network with behavioral scientists working in healthcare, public health professionals, and digital health developers. LinkedIn, academic journals, and dental conferences are great places to start.
Collaborate and Learn Continuously
Behavioral science is a rapidly evolving field. Stay up to date on new models (like COM-B or Fogg Behavior Model) and their applications in oral health.
Impact of Behavioral Science in Practice: A Real-World Example
At McLevin Dental, weve seen how small changes can yield big results. For instance, rephrasing appointment reminders with a sense of commitment (Your dentist is expecting you tomorrow at 2:00 PM) significantly reduces no-shows. Similarly, using motivational interviewing techniques during hygiene appointments increases patients’ willingness to adopt new brushing or flossing habits.
These arent just soft skillsthey are behaviorally informed strategies backed by science, and they work.
Why This Role Matters in Modern Dentistry
Dental professionals are increasingly expected to support not just oral care, but behavior change.
Clinics and DSOs need help improving patient retention, satisfaction, and preventive outcomes.
Communication, empathy, and motivation are top predictors of patient loyalty and team effectiveness.
Behavioral science helps address disparities in care and reach underserved populations.
Conclusion: The Future Is Human-Centered
Becoming a behavioral science advisor in dentistry offers a rewarding way to make systemic, lasting impact. Whether youre helping a child overcome dental fear, designing an oral health campaign, or training a clinical team in empathy-based communication, your work helps people not only understand carebut embrace it.