Assessing the Translation of Research and Innovation into Dental Practice

Area of Science:

• Dental Innovations and Technology
• Oral Health Advancements
• Clinical Dentistry Research

Background:

• Oral health has seen unprecedented innovation over the last century.
• Adoption lag times for new dental technologies depend on education, availability, and perceived value.
• Understanding the impact of innovations on patient care is crucial for dental practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To catalogue significant research discoveries and innovations in dentistry over the past 30 years.
• To identify innovations that practicing dentists perceive as having the greatest impact on patient care.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to US dentists who graduated before or during 1995.
• Innovations identified by leaders of the International Association for Dental Research were included.
• Respondents rated innovations based on their potential adverse effects if removed from practice.

Main Results:

• Top cited innovations include adhesive dental materials, dental implants, direct bonding systems, dental loupes, universal precautions, and digital imaging.
• General dentists and specialists agreed on the importance of dental implants, digital imaging, loupes, and universal precautions.
• Specialists (oral surgeons, periodontists) additionally highlighted cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and regenerative dentistry.

Conclusions:

• Innovations directly impacting clinical procedures are perceived as most beneficial by dentists.
• Generalists and specialists share consensus on several key advancements, but differ on others like CBCT and adhesive materials.
• Future research should explore cost-effectiveness and patient perspectives on dental technology adoption.