IADR Abstract Archives

Feasibility of Conducting Large-Scale Endodontic Research within The Dental PBRN

Objective: This abstract reports on the feasibility of conducting a large-scale endodontic prospective cohort study within The Dental Practice-Based Research Network (DPBRN; www.DentalPBRN.org). This study was designed to measure pain occurrence (prevalence, recovery, and incidence) and explore risk factors associated with initial orthograde root canal therapy (RCT).

Method: A total of 62 dentist practitioner-investigators (46 generalists, 16 endodontists), practicing in five geographical regions, were DPBRN-certified and trained on a standardized study protocol about RCT. Enrollment and baseline data collection occurred over six months and post-obturation follow-up occurred for another six 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.

Result: Enrollment exceeded target expectations, with eligible patient-participants totaling 708. Questionnaire return rates by patient and dentist ranged from 90% to 100%. Patient demographics were typical of persons who receive RCT in the U.S.: mean age of 48 years (SD 13 years), with the majority being female (59%), college-educated (81%), White non-Hispanic (86%), and with dental insurance (81%). The tooth types being treated were also typical: 61% molars, 28% premolars, and 11% anteriors, with maxillary teeth (59%) being predominant.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting large-scale endodontic prospective cohort studies within DPBRN. Patients were rapidly recruited with high levels of compliance in data collection. Support: DE-16746, DE-16747, RR-023247.

Division: IADR/LAR General Session
Meeting: 2012 IADR/LAR General Session (Iguaçu Falls, Brazil)
Location: Iguaçu Falls, Brazil
Year: 2012
Final Presentation ID: 301
Abstract Category|Abstract Category(s): Neuroscience
Authors
  • Law, Alan  ( The Dental Specialists, Lake Elmo, MN, USA )
  • Dpbrn Collaborative Group, The  ( University of Alabama, Birmingham, N/A, USA )
  • Nixdorf, Donald  ( University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA )
  • Look, John  ( University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA )
  • Rindal, D.  ( HealthPartners, Minneapolis, MN, USA )
  • Durand, Emily C.  ( HealthPartners, Minneapolis, MN, USA )
  • Kang, Wenjun  ( University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA )
  • Gordan, Valeria V.  ( University of Florida, Newberry, FL, USA )
  • Fellows, Jeffrey L.  ( Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR, USA )
  • Gilbert, Gregg  ( University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA )
  • SESSION INFORMATION
    Oral Session
    Dental Pain and Atypical Odontalgia
    06/20/2012