Surveys of health professionals typically have low response rates, and these rates have been decreasing in the recent years. We report on the methods used in a successful survey of dentist members of the National Dental Practice–Based Research Network. The objectives were to quantify the (1) increase in response rate associated with successive survey methods, (2) time to completion with each successive step, (3) contribution from the final method and personal contact, and (4) differences in response rate and mode of response by practice/practitioner characteristics. Dentist members of the network were mailed an invitation describing the study. Subsequently, up to six recruitment steps were followed: initial e-mail, two e-mail reminders at 2-week intervals, a third e-mail reminder with postal mailing a paper questionnaire, a second postal mailing of paper questionnaire, and staff follow-up. Of the 1,876 invited, 160 were deemed ineligible and 1,488 (87% of 1,716 eligible) completed the survey. Completion by step: initial e-mail, 35%; second e-mail, 15%; third e-mail, 7%; fourth e-mail/first paper, 11%; second paper, 15%; and staff follow-up, 16%. Overall, 76% completed the survey online and 24% on paper. Completion rates increased in absolute numbers and proportionally with later methods of recruitment. Participation rates varied little by practice/practitioner characteristics. Completion on paper was more likely by older dentists. Multiple methods of recruitment resulted in a high participation rate: Each step and method produced incremental increases with the final step producing the largest increase.

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Introduction This paper reports on the feasibility of conducting a large-scale endodontic prospective cohort study in The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. This study was designed to measure pain and burden associated with initial orthograde root canal therapy (RCT) and to explore potential prognostic factors for pain outcomes. The main objectives of this first report in a series are to describe the project’s feasibility and methods and the demographics of the sample obtained. Methods Sixty-two dentist practitioner-investigators (46 generalists, 16 endodontists) in five geographical areas were certified within the network and trained regarding the standardized study protocol. Enrollment and baseline data collection occurred over 6 months, with post-obturation follow-up for another 6 months. Patients and dentists completed questionnaires before and immediately after treatment visits. Patients also completed questionnaires at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after obturation. Results Enrollment exceeded target expectations, with 708 eligible patient-participants. Questionnaire return rates were good, ranging between 90% to 100%. Patient demographics were typical of persons who receive RCT in the United States: mean age 48 years (SD 13 years), with most being female (59%), college-educated (81%), white non-Hispanic (86%), and having dental insurance (81%). The tooth types being treated were also typical: 61% molars, 28% premolars, and 11% anteriors, with maxillary teeth being predominant (59%). Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting large-scale endodontic prospective cohort studies in the network. Patients were rapidly recruited, with high levels of compliance in data collection.

BackgroundSignificant national investments have aided the development of practice-based research networks (PBRNs) in both medicine and dentistry. Little evidence has examined the translational impact of these efforts and whether PBRN involvement corresponds to better adoption of best available evidence. This study addresses that gap in knowledge and examines changes in early dental decay among PBRN participants and non-participants with access to the same evidence-based guideline. This study examines the following questions regarding PBRN participation: are practice patterns of providers with PBRN engagement in greater concordance with current evidence? Does provider participation in a PBRNs increase concordance with current evidence? Do providers who participate in PBRN activities disseminate knowledge to their colleagues?MethodsLogistic regression models adjusting for clustering at the clinic and provider levels compared restoration (dental fillings) rates from 2005–2011 among 35 providers in a large staff model practice. All new codes for early-stage caries (dental decay) and co-occurring caries were identified. Treatment was determined by codes occurring up to 6 months following the date of diagnosis. Provider PBRN engagement was determined by study involvement and meeting attendance.ResultsIn 2005, restoration rates were high (79.5%), decreased to 47.6% by 2011 (p < .01), and differed by level of PBRN engagement. In 2005, engaged providers were less likely to use restorations compared to the unengaged (73.1% versus 88.2%; p < .01). Providers with high PBRN involvement decreased use of restorations by 15.4% from 2005 to 2008 (2005: 73%, 2008: 63%; p < .01). Providers with no PBRN involvement decreased use by only 7.5% (2005: 88%, 2008: 82%; p = .041). During the latter half of 2008 following the May PBRN meeting, attendees reduced restorations by 7.5%, compared to a 2.4% among non-attendees (OR = .64, p < .01).ConclusionsBased on actual clinical data, PBRN engagement was associated with practice change consistent with current evidence on treatment of early dental decay. The impact of PBRN engagement was most significant for the most-engaged providers and consistent with a spillover effect onto same-clinic providers who were not PBRN-engaged. PBRNs can generate relevant evidence and expedite translation into practice.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13012-014-0177-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background. Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the principal underlying cause of a dramatic rise in oropharyngeal cancer. Dentistry can play an important role in developing clinical algorithms for secondary prevention. Methods. This cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with practices of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. It evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of screening and testing procedures as judged by practitioners and patients. Tablets were used for patient screening, obtaining consent and administering a confidential oral HPV risk factor survey. Results. Most patients (85%) were comfortable being asked about cigarette use, their sexual behavior (69%), and were interested in participating again (79%). Over 90% of practitioners were comfortable with study procedures except the extra time required for patient participation (75% comfortable). There were no problems with oral rinse collection as reported by patients or practitioners. Conclusions. It is feasible in community dental offices to collect oral rinses for HPV detection and to ask patients explicit questions about sexual history when using a tablet device for confidentiality Practical Implications. Discussing high-risk types of HPV and appropriately assessing that risk is a challenge for dental professionals. These results are positive from a research perspective but do not address the advisability of routine HPV screening in dentistry.