Dissemination and implementation research for oral and craniofacial health: Background, a review of literature and future directions

Abstract

Oral conditions are highly prevalent globally and have profound consequence on individuals and communities. Clinical (e.g. dental treatments, behavioural counselling) and non-clinical (e.g. community-based programming, water fluoridation, oral health policy) evidence-based interventions have been identified, recommended and applied at the clinic, community and policy levels. Still, the burden of oral conditions persists, with inequitable distribution across populations. A major driver of this lack of progress is poor translation of research findings, which results in an evidence-to-practice gap.Dissemination and implementation science (DIS) has emerged to address this gap. A relatively new field, application of DIS represents an important avenue for achieving good dental, oral and craniofacial health for all. The goal of this introductory article is to provide a brief background on DIS relevant to researchers in dentistry and oral health. The problem of knowledge translation, basic concepts and terminology in DIS, and approaches to doing dissemination and implementation research-including implementation strategies, key outcomes, and implementation theories, models and frameworks-are discussed. Additionally, the article reviews literature applying DIS to dentistry and oral health. Results of published studies and their implications for the field are presented. Drawing on the literature review and contemporary thinking in DIS, current gaps, opportunities and future directions are discussed. Resources for understanding and applying DIS are provided throughout. This article serves as a primer on DIS for dental and oral health researchers of all types working across a range of contexts; it also serves as a call to action for increased application of DIS to address the burden of oral conditions globally.

Identification of Swedish caries active individuals aged 30–90 years using a life course perspective and SKaPa longitudinal national registry data over a 10-year period

“…Difficulties with reimbursement for preventive oral health measures across healthcare systems have been discussed [46], though there is insufficient evidence to determine whether current preventive interventions improve oral health in those with caries [25,47]. This may explain why neither Medicare nor Medicaid incentivises adult preventive care [37], and why annual SKaPa data show that caries preventive measure use increases parallel with increased prevalence of fillings, except in the oldest age groups, despite government subsidisation [10].…”

“…This may be especially useful for high trajectory groups. This approach is also important when updating clinical practice guidelines, especially given the lack of randomised controlled trials and ethical problems with conducting such studies of caries disease [25].…”

Phytotherapy: knowledge, experience and prescription in oral healthcare.A cross-sectional survey of dental practitioners

“…Oficial channels of communication can help disseminate evidence-based content to be used directly in dental practice, such as updated news and clinical practice guidelines with rigorous methodology 24 . Dissemination and implementation of research is a top priority in behavioral and social oral health sciences to tackle the evidence-to-practice gap and improve oral health education, promotion and care, as well as continuous professional training 25 , 26 . It is noteworthy that this sample consisted of dentists who were seeking professional development in clinical courses to treat adult patients with complex oral rehabilitation needs.…”

Perspectives on the future of dissemination and implementation research in oral and craniofacial sciences

“…Though references to relevant scientific work are provided throughout, a comprehensive review of the dissemination and implementation science literature is beyond the scope of this narrative report. For additional foundational background and discussion of key conceptual issues, see the article by Randall that accompanies this article in the journal's special issue 6 …”