Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
NIDCR has provided a link to important information for PBRN practitioners on the NIDCR website. To view this information, please click here.
1. How many dental professionals are in the network?
To date, we have over 1,100 dentists and hygienists participating in the network. These include dental professionals across the U.S. and Scandanavia.
2. Will I need a computer or internet access in order to participate?
Yes. You need internet access at your office or home. Internet access will be an important part of the research process.
3. What are the benefits of participating as communicated by DPBRN practitioner-investigators?
- Exchange ideas with fellow practitioners
- Do research projects that benefit your practice
- Distinguishes the practice from other practices, acting as a practice promoter or practice builder
- Increases the practice's visibility and stature among dental patients
- Enhances communication with patients by showing that the practitioner-investigator cares about the scientific basis of daily clinical practice
- Expands the vision for patient care by including a formalized research and quality improvement component to it
- Provides a focus for clinical excellence by devoting increased short-term attention to one particular area of clinical practice at a time
- Can improve the logistics of daily clinical operations, serve as a team builder for practice staff, and engage the entire staff in the excitement of discovery and quality improvement
- Projects can improve the quality of dental care by contributing to the scientific basis for the dental procedures that are their focus
- Provides venues for collegial interactions and exchange of ideas with fellow practitioner-investigators; become part of a community of learning and camaraderie
- Receive financial remuneration for the time spent doing research
- Allows practitioner-investigators to see what is effective in their practices in comparison to other practices – using results that are presented anonymously
- Practitioner-investigators decide what studies are done and what treatment is done not third parties
- Potential to present at local, state, national, and international dental meetings and research conferences
- Receive Continuing Education credit for attendance at DPBRN annual meetings and participating in training and certification activities for specific DPBRN studies
- Receive certificates suitable for framing and display in the office
4. How many studies will I be expected to participate in?
You may participate in as many or as few as you would like. Typically, practitioner-investigators participate in 1 or 2 studies a year.
5. How much time will I have to commit when I participate in a study?
The amount of time will vary depending on the specific project. Our goal is to implement projects that will easily integrate into your everyday practice routine.
6. What type of training will I need?
The training needed for any particular study protocol varies widely. Some studies do not require any training. Some require only that you read some materials, then participate in a telephone conference call. Before you begin your first project, you need to complete an online certification course called "Human Subjects Protection". The link to this course is found in the "training" section of our Research tab.
