A web-based clearinghouse for researchers and dental providers to increase participation in oral health research and clinical trials

KDH Research & Communication (KDHRC) proposes to develop a web-based Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) on oral health research and clinical trials (OHRCT) for both researchers and dental care providers (providers). Despite myriad advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health diseases in the U.S., many populations still experience a disproportionate oral health disease burden, particularly from preventable and treatable conditions like dental caries and periodontal diseases. OHRCT offers greater access to dental care, but many barriers experienced at the researcher-, provider-, and patient-levels hinder participation. These include researchers’ challenges connecting with the community and supporting meaningful participation from providers; providers’ lack of OHRCT training, exposure, and experience, directly resulting in fewer numbers of providers participating in OHRCT; fewer providers referring patients to OHRCT, especially patients from hard-to-reach populations; providers’ low self-efficacy and negative attitudes/beliefs about OHRCT, leading to providers not discussing OHRCT opportunities with patients; and patients’ lack of awareness, negative attitudes and experiences, and logistical barriers that impact their willingness to participate in OHRCT. Taken together, these barriers result in low and non-representative participation rates in OHRCT. To overcome these barriers, KDHRC will develop a Clearinghouse to train and connect researchers and providers around the goal of engaging patients. Supported by key oral health leaders like the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, National Network for Oral Health Access, National Dental Association, and Pacific Dental Services, the Clearinghouse will be a website that consists of four interconnected components: the Researcher Portal; the Provider Portal; the Connection Hub; and the Collaboration Hub. The Researcher and Provider Portals will provide educational videos, information sheets, and recommended reading; AI-driven scenario-based learning activities; and support strategies, tools, and resources to engage providers and patients. The Connection and Collaboration Hubs will focus on increasing communication and collaboration between researchers and providers around topics related to OHRCT recruitment. In this Phase I project, KDHRC will convene and obtain input from advisory panels, develop the Clearinghouse prototype, and conduct usability testing of the Clearinghouse (no clinical trials allowed). The Clearinghouse will meet multiple NIDCR priorities on clinical trial recruitment and workforce development. To commercialize the Clearinghouse, KDHRC will recruit a consortium of sponsors to provide financial support to promote the Clearinghouse and make access free. We will also monetize the site with continuing education accreditation and other revenue streams. In Phase II, KDHRC will complete the Clearinghouse and evaluate its effectiveness and impact on researchers, providers, and patients.