Background This survey characterized the strategies used by general dentists to manage temporomandibular muscle joint disorders (TMJD) pain, and assessed the feasibility of doing a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of the effectiveness of these strategies. Methods Dentists from three Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) specifically, DPBRN, PEARL, NWPRECEDENT) accepted to participate in this survey. Results Out of 862 dentists surveyed, 654 were general dentists who treat TMJD; among these, 80.3 percent stated they would participate in a RCT. Dentists treated an average of three pain-related TMJD patients per month. Splints (97.6 percent), self-care (85.9 percent) and over-the-counter or prescribed medications (84.6 percent) were the treatments most frequently used. The preferred treatments to compare in a RCT were splint therapy (35.8 percent), self-care (27.4 percent) and medications (16.9 percent). Conclusions Most general dentists treat TMJD pain, and reversible initial care is typically provided. Finally, it is feasible to conduct a RCT in the PBRNs to assess the effectiveness of splint therapy, medications and/or self-care, for the initial management of painful TMJD. Clinical Implications There is an opportunity to do a RCT in PBRNs leading to the development of evidence-based treatment guidelines for the initial treatment of pain-related TMJD by primary care dentists.
Background Members of the practice-based research network Practitioners Engaged in Applied Research and Learning (PEARL) Network investigated the dentin caries activity in early occlusal lesions and its relationship to patient age, preoperative tooth sensitivity and radio-graphic appearance, as well as its influence on preparation depth and volume. Methods PEARL Network practitioner-investigators (P-Is) (n = 45), general dentists who were trained but whose methods were not calibrated, conducted a study regarding postoperative hypersensitivity in resin-based composite restorations. The P-Is enrolled as study participants 613 patients with occlusal carious lesions that, in the P-Is’ clinical judgment, required restoration. The P-Is used baseline radiographs to assess the depth and extent of the lesions. Data for 671 restorations included baseline sensitivity; ranking of dentin caries activity on the opening of the enamel; radiographic visibility (n = 652); and measurements of preparation depth, width and length. Results P-Is found rapidly progressing dentin caries in 38.5 percent (258 of 671) of lesions and slowly progressing (and potentially inactive dentin) caries in the remainder of the lesions. Rapidly progressing caries was not related to the participant’s age or participant-reported preoperative hypersensitivity but was related to the lesion depth as seen radiographically (P < .001) and depth (P < .001) and volume (P < .001) of the preparation. Molars had slightly higher but not statistically significant levels of caries activity. Conclusion Rapidly progressing dentin caries, while present in only 38.5 percent of lesions, was related to the lesion’s radiographic appearance but not to the participant’s age or the study tooth’s pre-operative sensitivity. Clinical Implications On the basis of the low level of rapidly progressing dentin caries in this study population and the fact that slowly progressing caries can be inactive or remineralizing, the authors advise sealing versus operative treatment of early or shallow occlusal lesions.
Objectives The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research funded three practice-based research networks (PBRNs), NW-PRECEDENT, PEARL and DPBRN to conduct studies relevant to practicing general dentists. These PBRNs collaborated to develop a questionnaire to assess the impact of network participation on changes in practice patterns. This report presents results from the initial administration of the questionnaire. Methods Questionnaires were administered to network dentists and a non-network reference group. Practice patterns including caries diagnosis and treatment, pulp cap materials, third molar extraction, dentin hypersensitivity treatments and endodontic treatment and restoration were assessed by network, years in practice, and level of network participation.Test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated. Results 950 practitioners completed the questionnaire. Test-retest reliability was good-excellent (kappa>0.4) for most questions. Significant differences in responses by network were not observed. The use of caries risk assessment forms differed by both network participation (p<0.001) and years since dental degree (p=0.026). Recent dental graduates are more likely to recommend third molar removal for preventive reasons (p=0.003). Conclusions Practitioners in the CONDOR research networks are similar to their US colleagues. As a group, however, these practitioners show a more evidence-based approach to their practice. Dental PBRNs have the potential to improve the translation of evidence into daily practice. Designing methods to assess practice change and the associated factors is essential to addressing this important issue.
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