Adoption issues associated with a new periodontal screening tool: an online survey of Canadian dentists

To determine barriers and facilitators associated with the acceptance of a new diagnostic screening tool for periodontitis.

As part of a larger study to examine factors that affect the adoption of new technology by dentists, we piloted an online survey of Canadian dentists through an electronic newsletter produced by the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association. A new oral rinse that screens for the presence of periodontitis by estimating neutrophil abundance in saliva was used for illustrative purposes. The survey included questions about the types of patients for which the test would be beneficial, how the test might be incorporated into practice and how much the dentist would be willing to pay for the test.

As the survey was delivered through a new communication tool, the response rate was low. Nonetheless there appeared to be interest in new periodontal screening tools to complement existing diagnostic tests for periodontitis. The test was seen as a valuable educational tool for patients; however, the cost to administer the test was determined to be an issue.

Despite the low response rate, dentists were interested in new screening tests for periodontitis. A larger study with a more representative sample could provide valuable information for scientists who are interested in taking their research from the bench to chairside.