Network

Newsletter

How do dentists classify post-operative bleeding? A national survey of general dentists in our Network found agreement on what counts as severe bleeding, but differences in how moderate cases are identified. Based on these findings, the authors propose a simple, four-stage bleeding severity scale designed to reflect our dental practice and may support future clinical trials.

A new publication highlights how the Network is reshaping orthodontic research by embedding studies directly into clinical practice. The Anterior Open Bite Study produced findings on treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. Quick Polls are helping shape next steps, and the AAO Practice-Based Research Member Interest Group is working on multi-center projects to expand the reach of this work.

Dr. Muhammad Walji and Dr. Sayali Tungare, together with Network practitioners Dr. Gautam Shirodkar, and Dr. Peter Loomer shared updates from the Post-Operative Pain Study (POPS). They discussed patient experiences after dental procedures and the use of tools like FollowApp to improve communication and care. Practitioner feedback highlighted how data can guide pain management.

Dr. Sandra Japuntich and Dr. Sarah Helseth, with Network practitioners Dr. Dhanya Narasimhan and Dr. Sangeeta Gajendra, shared results from the Network study offering nicotine replacement therapy samples in dental offices. The discussion covered effects on patient conversations and changes in smoking behavior.

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