Network

Newsletter

All Network members are invited to the Network’s 2026 National Meeting on Tuesday afternoon, May 12, at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry. In‑person and virtual options are available. The program features keynote speaker Dr. Daniel McNeil on the connection between oral health and whole‑person health, along with presentations and discussions highlighting recent Network study findings.

Two major Network studies have now completed data collection, each capturing a different part of everyday dental practice.

The Dental Implant Restoration Registry (DIRR) closed with more than two thousand implant restorations and strong follow‑up across participating practices.

The Periodontal Adjunctive Antibiotics Study (PAAS) wrapped up its randomized trial evaluating adjunctive antibiotics in routine periodontal therapy, with solid engagement across three Nodes. Read more for a closer look at the final numbers and what comes next as both studies move into analysis.

Curious how your approach compares with others in our Network? This Quick Poll shines a light on current attitudes and practices related to caring for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.

Luis A. Mendez, DDS, got his start in practice-based research through our Network, supporting digital tools like tablets, apps, and intraoral cameras in 12 clinics for the mDentistry eHygiene study. That experience helped shape his path into orthodontic residency with a strong focus on evidence-informed care.

Improving the nation's oral health by improving

the knowledge base for clinical decision-making

and moving the latest evidence into routine care

The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network is supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), grants U19-DE-028717 and U01-DE-028727