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A National Dental PBRN questionnaire study led by Dr. Jenna McCauley reveals that many dentists are willing to screen for substance use disorders (SUDs), although few currently do so. Barriers include limited training, time constraints, and lack of referral knowledge. Encouragingly, stigma is low and interest in practical tools is high. The study points to opportunities for integrating SUDs screening into dental care—building on the success of tobacco cessation efforts. 

Dr. Nancy Rosenthal, a general dentist and educator, shares how being part of the Network has shaped her work in both practice and research. “Each organization complements the other, making me better at both,” she says, reflecting on how research has deepened her clinical insight and vice versa.

As we approach the expected pause in data collection this November for the DIRR study, we want to support and energize all practitioners involved in the study. This webinar was created especially for you—featuring preliminary findings, study progress, and practical tips shared by fellow practitioners who are actively participating in the study. We thank our panelists—Drs. Shad Hattaway, Vanessa Burton, Lana Atchley, and Mack Snead—for sharing their valuable insights and experiences. If you are part of the DIRR study, we strongly encourage you to watch the recording and make sure your patients complete their follow-up visits. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to advancing dental research!

We’ve redesigned our website to better serve our growing community of dental professionals and researchers. With improved navigation and reorganized content, it’s now easier than ever to access studies, publications, and resources. Take a look around and see how we’re making it simpler to stay connected and involved in practice-based dental research.

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