Pediatric dentists' willingness to participate in practice-based research networks.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the willingness of pediatric dentists to participate in practice-based research networks (PBRNs) and the factors associated with their willingness.


METHODS
A 29-item cross-sectional survey was collected from pediatric dentists in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Montana. Logistic regression models were used to test for demographic and educational factors associated with a willingness to participate in PBRNs.


RESULTS
Of 337 surveys mailed or emailed, 171 (51 percent) were returned. Seventy-four (43 percent) pediatric dentists expressed a willingness to participate in PBRNs. Younger age (P=.01), greater number of regularly read scientific journals (P=.04), frequent utilization of scientific web searches (P=.05), national dental meetings for practice guidance (P=.001), lack of concern about time to participate (P=.01), and quality of data obtained in PBRN studies (P=.03) were associated with increased willingness to participate. Caries prevention was the most important topic in which to conduct more research.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a broad base of pediatric dentists willing to participate in dental practice-based research networks. Younger age and greater utilization of certain practice guidance resources were associated with increased willingness to participate. Practitioner demand for additional research is in the area of caries prevention.
Pediatric dentist in private practice, Oak Harbor, Wash., USA. Josephryanstout@gmail.com.
Joseph
J
Stout
Dean, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA.
Joel
J
Berg
Lecturer in Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Mass., USA.
Christine
C
Riedy
Director of research and acting assistant professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, the School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA.
JoAnna
J
Scott
Research assistant professor, Department of Oral Health Sciences, the School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA.
Joana
J
Cunha-Cruz
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000592:standards; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D018865:Dental Research / Q000592:standards; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry; D005260:Female; D006124:Group Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D016239:MEDLINE; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015205:Northwestern United States; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry; D017712:Peer Review, Research; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011331:Private Practice; D019036:Suburban Health Services; D013997:Time Factors