Research opportunities
Introduction
SDB prevalence among children is estimated at 2% to 11%, often unnoticed due to limited parental awareness of snoring's health implications. Dentists play a vital role in SDB recognition and screening. Despite polysomnography (PSG) being the diagnostic gold standard for obstructive sleep apnoea and SDB, cost and scarce testing centres lead to delays in access.
The Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), a validated 22-question version for ages 2 to 18, offers an accessible alternative to screen SDB risk. A PSQ score above 0.33 indicates higher risk for paediatric sleep-related breathing issues, enabling early intervention. Using the PSQ, you can significantly aid in identifying and managing paediatric SDB, bridging a critical diagnostic gap. This research addresses the need for efficient and timely SDB detection, underscoring dentists' potential impact in improving child health outcomes.
Aim
To assess patient outcomes and experiences of dental practitioners screening for paediatric SDB in children attending private dental practices in metropolitan Melbourne between the ages of 3-12.
Who can participate?
- The dentists located within metropolitan Melbourne, with a patient demographic that includes children between the ages of 3-12.
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The dental practice must not currently be screening for SDB or obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) or undertaking treatments for the management of SDB or OSA.
What will you be asked to do?
Invite parents of eligible patients to complete the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire and review the results during their next scheduled appointment.
- If the patient scores less than 0.33 on the PSQ, then no further action is required.
- If the patient scores ≥ 0.33 on the PSQ, then the patient will be provided with a summary report with the results of their screening, and a recommendation letter to follow up with their medical general practitioner.
Following the visit, parents who participated will be given an electronic link to complete an online questionnaire about their experience with the screening process. A second questionnaire link will be sent to all participants six months after their appointment to determine their experiences and the effectiveness of the dentist referral in facilitating a diagnosis or further medical assessment for SDB.
Why should you participate?
- Contribute to child health: Your participation will contribute to a significant advancement in paediatric sleep-disordered breathing research, potentially leading to better health outcomes for children.
- Enhance dental practice: Play a vital role in early SDB detection, expanding your role as a healthcare provider and potentially positively impacting their patients' lives.
- Empower parents: By participating, parents can take an active role in their child's well-being, contributing to early intervention and healthier development.
- Shape future policies: Your involvement can influence healthcare policies and guidelines, advocating for enhanced paediatric screening practices.
How do you participate?
Join us in making a real difference in child health and well-being. Your participation matters. Contact us at to learn more and express your interest.
Who are the researchers?
Dr Mihiri Silva, Dr Moya Vandeleur, Dr Sai Raksha Baskar,
Ethics Approval
This project has human research ethics approval from the University of Melbourne (Approval No 27701).
Introduction
We invite you to take part in a research study that aims to explore and understand the perceptions and practices of dental practitioners who provide oral implant treatments. Your expertise and insights are invaluable in shaping the future of dental implant treatment protocols.
Aim
To gather insights from dental practitioners regarding oral implant treatment protocols, complications, patient communication, and more.
Who can participate?
Dental practitioners who:
- are registered and practising in Australia;
- have at least five years’ experience in oral implant treatment;
- have the ability to read and write English; and
- have access to the internet to complete an online questionnaire.
What will you be asked to do?
Complete a 15-20-minute online questionnaire.
Why should you participate?
- Contribute to Best Practices: Your input will help shape nationally accepted guidelines for dental implant treatments, addressing the significant biological and financial burden of complications on patients and the community.
- Make a Difference: By sharing your insights, you'll contribute to improved patient-centred care and value-based health outcomes.
- Professional Development: Participation offers an opportunity to engage with peers, share your experiences, and contribute to the advancement of dental implant treatments.
How do you participate?
To join this vital research effort, simply click on the link here to access the survey:
Your participation is confidential, and your responses will be anonymised and securely stored. The findings of this study will be used to develop better practices and protocols that benefit both practitioners and patients.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to the advancement of dental implant treatments. Your expertise and insights are crucial to our research.
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us at .
Who are the researchers?
Dr Cecilia So, A/Prof Roy Judge, Dr Denise Bailey, Dr Roisin McGrath, and A/Prof Dale Howes
Ethics Approval
This project has human research ethics approval from The University of Melbourne (Reference number 2023-24786-42856-5).
This project is supported by the eviDent Foundation and is funded by the International Team for Implantology.
Introduction
Recent findings reported in the Australia Dental Journal found there is currently a lack of data about the use of radiology by Australian dentists. This project will assess Australian dentists’ current knowledge, confidence, attitudes, and beliefs regarding radiology of mandibular third molars using two dimensional and three-dimensional imaging techniques.
Aim
To explore Australian dental practitioners’ current attitudes, beliefs, confidence and knowledge about radiology of mandibular third molars using two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging techniques.
Who can participate?
General dentists and dental specialists who:
- Are registered with AHPRA in Australia; and
- have access to the internet.
What will you be asked to do?
Complete an online questionnaire that should take approximately 5-10 minutes of your time.
Why should you participate?
- Help to provide the researchers with an understanding of Australian dentists’ current knowledge, confidence, attitudes and beliefs about the use of CBCT compared to OPG for pre-operative assessment of mandibular third molars
- Help to provide evidence to inform the development of continued professional development for the Australian dental profession
- You and your practice may benefit from the outcomes of this study, leading to increased professional satisfaction and well-being;
- Be part of an eviDent project that will ultimately contribute to the practice of dentistry in Australia.
How do you participate?
Your participation is voluntary. If you don’t wish to take part, you don’t have to. If you begin participating, you can also stop at any time. In order to participate in the research project, click the following link (further information on the research project can be found at the link): https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aazj4h62pmnVCD4
Who are the researchers?
Dr Alan Reid, Dr Stephen Cox, Dr Alan Mann
Ethics Approval
This project has human research ethics approval from The University of Sydney (HREC Approval No 2022/676).
Introduction
High levels of dental caries in children throughout the world is a significant cause of concern, as dental caries is a cumulative and progressive disease. In order to reduce the risk of tooth decay in adulthood, the best approach is to reduce the prevalence of dental caries in children. There is evidence that supports the relationship between the amount of sugars consumed and the development of dental caries when frequency of intake is controlled. There is currently insufficient literature about the attitudes of dental practitioners towards supporting their patients’ to reduce their intake of sugars, as well as potential barriers and facilitators that may influence the ability of dental practitioners in reducing their patients’ sugars intake.
Aim
- To explore the attitudes, practices and knowledge of dental teams in supporting adolescent patients to reduce free sugars intake within the context of a healthier diet
- To explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the ability of dental practitioners to support patients to reduce their free sugars intake
Who can participate?
Dental team members (dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, oral health therapists, dental assistants, dental receptionists and practice managers) who:
- are working in a public or private dental practice in Australia;
- have access to the internet.
What will you be asked to do?
Attend a focus group via Zoom for approximately one hour to discuss your thoughts on paediatric consumption of sugars, including barriers and facilitators that influence your how you support patients in reducing their sugars intake. You will also be invited to participate in one-on-one interviews with the research team.
Why should you participate?
- Help the researchers to understand how the dental team can support children to reduce their sugars intake
- You and your practice may benefit from the outcomes of this study, leading to increased professional satisfaction and well-being;
- Be part of an eviDent project that will ultimately contribute to the practice of dentistry in Australia.
How do you participate?
Your participation is voluntary. If you don’t wish to take part, you don’t have to. If you begin participating, you can also stop at any time. In order to participate in the research project, click the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/bG7KUwJ0xF
Who are the researchers?
Renya Nambi Subramaniyan (BDS student at the University of Adelaide), supervised by Prof Paula Moynihan and Dr Wendy Cheung.
Ethics Approval
This project has human research ethics approval from the University of Adelaide (Reference number 17227).
Introduction
Over the last 20 years, the use of orthodontic clear aligners appears to have been increasing. Acquiring robust data about the use of aligners among dentists and information about factors involved in the adoption of preferred aligner type, case selection, treatment protocols, digital treatment planning and adjunctive treatment modalities have not yet been addressed.
Aim
To investigate orthodontic clear aligner practices among general dentists.
Who can participate?
Registered general dentists who:
- are working in a public or private dental practice in Australia; and
- have access to the internet
What will you be asked to do?
Complete an online questionnaire that should take approximately 15 minutes of your time.
Why should you participate?
- Help to provide further evidence for dentists to evaluate their own aligner treatment practices and information for future research into orthodontic treatment.
- Help to provide evidence of the importance of direct clinical care in treatment with aligners.
- You and your practice may benefit from the outcomes of this study, leading to increased professional satisfaction and well-being.
- Be part of an eviDent project that will ultimately contribute to the practice of dentistry in Australia.
How do you participate?
Your participation is voluntary. If you don’t wish to take part, you don’t have to. If you begin participating, you can also stop at any time. In order to participate in the research project, click the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FDWGY3Q
Who are the researchers?
A/Prof Maurice Meade and Dr Tony Weir, Orthodontic Unit, Adelaide Dental School, University of Adelaide
Ethics Approval
This project has human research ethics approval from The University of Adelaide (Reference number H-2023-031).
Introduction
Around 10% of the Australian population have a reported penicillin allergy, but of the 10%, only 1% will be correct; the other 9% is in error. This is either because the person had a side effect (e.g. nausea), or the allergy has worn off; 50% of allergies wear off after 5 years. Most rashes reported in association with a penicillin antibiotic during childhood are also not true allergies.
In dentistry, patients who report a penicillin allergy and need an antibiotic, will usually be prescribed clindamycin. Clindamycin has a much higher side effect profile and is more toxic than amoxicillin. While dentists are encouraged to appropriately screen and refer patients for penicillin allergy testing, there is no direct pathway for dentists to do so.
Aims
- To determine the proportion of penicillin allergic patients with a low-risk penicillin allergy phenotype assessed by dentists.
- To determine the proportion of patients referred by dentists with a low-risk penicillin allergy that can have their penicillin allergy label removed by testing
- To assess this method for dentists to appropriately screen and refer patients for penicillin allergy de-labelling as there is no current method for dentists do to this.
Who can participate?
Dentists and dental specialists who:
- are practising in Victoria; and
- have access to the internet.
What will you be asked to do?
Screen and refer eligible patients using a simple online questionnaire that should take around 1-2 minutes per patient.
Why should you participate?
This study provides a wonderful and simple opportunity for you to screen and refer your patients directly for penicillin allergy testing to Austin Health.
While the normal wait list is usually around 2 years, your patients will be fast-tracked to the low-risk clinic that operates on a Friday at the Austin Hospital Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, and the wait time will only be around 4 weeks.
It is anticipated that around 90% or more of the patients referred for testing will show that the patient is actually not allergic to penicillin. This will enable safer and more appropriate antibiotic prescribing for these patients.
How do you participate?
Use the following link: https://melbourneuni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a5adlEwhzyrL0Ro
Who are the researchers?
Dr Leanne Teoh, Prof Michael McCullough, A/Prof Jason Trubiano
Introduction
Dental anxiety is common in the general population and has been identified as a barrier to people accessing timely and appropriate professional care. Listening to music during a dental procedure has been associated with a reduction in the experience of dental anxiety, accompanied by physiological changes such as reductions in heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rates, but there is a lack of research investigating the effect of music provide pre-treatment and/or during treatment.
Aims
To explore the effectiveness of pre-treatment music in the management of dental anxiety in general practice.
Who can participate?
General dentists who practice in metropolitan Melbourne.
What will you be asked to do?
- (With the help of your team) ask your patients who meet the inclusion criteria (over 18 years of age who have an appointment for dental fillings) if they would be willing to participate in the study by completing a questionnaire (Modified Dental Anxiety Scale) before treatment starts. Patients with a score of 11 or higher will be invited to participate by completing a further questionnaire on arrival for their appointment and wearing on-ear headphones and a pulse monitor while in the waiting room and surgery. They will be randomly assigned to one of three study groups:
- Music before and during dental treatment
- Music during dental treatment only
- No music (control group)
- Recruit up to 21 patients to participate in the study (7 patients will be randomly assigned to each study group).
- Become an eviDent member (membership is free) and complete the minimum training requirements as well as additional training for this project, for which CPD credit will be provided.
Why should you participate?
- You and your practice may benefit from the outcomes of this study, leading to increased professional satisfaction and wellbeing;
- Be part of an eviDent project that will ultimately contribute to the practice of dentistry in Australia.
How do you participate?
Please contact Ms Meaghan Quinn by calling 03 8825 4603 or email .
Who are the researchers?
Dr Roisin McGrath, Dr Chris Wenn, Dr Bob Cvetkovic and Dr Jodie Heap.
