Motivational Interviewing: Addressing Trauma Informed Care

The best way to guide your patients to better oral health is through a counseling style called Motivational Interviewing. Dr. Katie Pudwill describes and illustrates this technique to viewers in an engaging live webinar.

Date

Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time

7:00 – 9:00 PM ET
CEUs

Participant information will be collected at checkout.

$35.00

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Description

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, patient-centered communication approach that helps individuals explore and strengthen their own motivation for change. In the dental setting, MI can improve patient engagement, increase treatment acceptance, and support lasting oral health behaviors while fostering stronger provider-patient relationships.
This 2-hour webinar introduces the foundational principles of Motivational Interviewing, including collaboration, evocation, and respect for patient autonomy. Participants will learn practical communication strategies such as reflective listening, open-ended questions, affirmations, and summarizing that can be immediately incorporated into clinical practice. The course also explores the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on oral health and patient interactions, emphasizing trauma-informed care principles that promote safety, trust, and compassion.
Through case-based discussions and interactive scenarios, participants will practice applying MI techniques to real-world conversations, gaining confidence in supporting behavior change while creating a more empathetic and effective patient experience.

Course Objectives: 

1. Describe the foundational principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI), including collaboration, evocation, acceptance, compassion, and support for patient autonomy.
2. Explain how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can influence oral health behaviors, treatment experiences, and patient-provider interactions.
3. Differentiate between communication strategies that align with Motivational Interviewing and those that may increase patient resistance.
4. Demonstrate the use of core Motivational Interviewing skills, including open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing (OARS), during patient interactions.
5. Apply principles of Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed care to clinical scenarios to support patient-centered communication and behavior change.

Speaker: Katie Pudwill, RDH, BS, MS, PhD is a clinical dental hygienist in South Dakota with the Department of Corrections. She is a dental hygiene educator at the University of South Dakota, and teaches Periodontics, Dental Anatomy, Oral Pathology, and Ethics and Jurisprudence. She has 16 years of clinical experience and 11 years of teaching experience.
Disclosure: The speaker has no conflicts.

Disclaimer:  As per ADA guidelines, participants must use caution when using limited knowledge in treating patients. It is always recommended to do further research.

PLS is not responsible for the the information provided by the Presenter.  The information provided is based on the Presenter’s research,  experience and opinion and is not necessarily that of PLS.  

This webinar is designated for the CEUs as indicated.  Check your state’s CE regulations for course acceptance.

 

CE Provider: Professional Learning Services, LLC (PLS)

PLS is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene  

Additional information

Date

Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time

7:00 – 9:00 PM ET
CEUs

Intended Audience

Teaching Method

Time of Day

Evening

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