A Toronto Practice Based Research Network for Dental Implant Research

Background: Clinical trials are generally conducted within universities or hospital based institutions. Under well controlled settings, trials can demonstrate what is achievable under optimal and ideal conditions. The external validity or extrapolations of the results from these studies into private practice can be questioned. Objective: Set up of a practice based research network (PBRN) to conduct studies on dental implant clinical practices. Methods: Selected private generalists and specialists actively engaged in dental implant care in the Greater Toronto area were invited by the investigators to partake in a PBRN. Result: The response from the practicing community was overwhelmingly positive. Currently, 23 private practices composed of both specialists and generalists have enrolled into the PBRN. Multiple consultations were made regarding the feasibility in terms of time requirement, patient recruitment and management, standardization of data gathering protocol, web site data exchange, budgeting and commitment compliance from practitioners remain to be challenges in such a study. One study has been developed and obtained REB approval and was initiated in October 2008. The study, titled “interproximal papillae adjacent to single implant crowns in the aesthetic zone”, is expected to provide valuable data that is reflective of “real life implant dentistry” in the private practice setting. The members of the network interact through a website (www.dentalpbrn.ca) hosting a data management program that enables online completion of forms and uploading of media files. Conclusions: The members of the PBRN should be involved in the contribution of ideas with feedback, interpretation of certain types of data gathered and inputs into future prospective studies. Involvement of the members assures ownership into the study and enhances cooperation and compliance levels.