Other Clinical Effectiveness activities

Practitioner Surveys

Surveys have recently been distributed to practitioners to support the implementation of two SDCEP guidance publications: Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children and Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases in Primary Care.

The pre-publication survey related to the Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children guidance received 131 responses from dentists, hygienists and therapists and shed light on practitioners’ opinions and behaviours related to silver diamine fluoride as a caries management option, preventive fissure sealants and pulpotomy in permanent teeth. A post-publication survey is planned for later this year.

The post-publication survey related to the Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases in Primary Care guidance was completed by 148 practitioners, including dentists, hygienists, therapists, and dental nurses. The survey asked questions about current practice and beliefs related to key recommendations in the guidance, with a particular focus on oral hygiene instruction.

Analysis of the results from both surveys is now underway, and summary reports of the findings will be shared on the TRiaDS website in due course.

Dental management of patients with a diagnosis of cancer: exploring the patient experience

Research is underway to explore the dental care experiences of people who are undergoing, or who have previously undergone, cancer treatment. This builds on previous work conducted in 2024 with dental practitioners. Focus groups will be conducted with people attending local cancer charities and will explore the impact of cancer treatment on their oral health, their experiences of accessing dental care during and after cancer treatment, and their attitudes towards their own dental health.