Summary of research project ideas provided by Dental PBRN dentists who attended orientation sessions

Diagnostic and preventive topics
Effectiveness of different diagnostic methods for dental caries detection
Differential effectiveness of at-home fluoride rinse vs. prescription fluoride methods for patients at high risk for dental caries
Whether intake of sugar-containing soft drinks is associated with dental caries incidence in private practice patients
Incidence of dental erosion due to gastro-esophageal reflux disease and its effect on dental materials
Effectiveness of different methods to prevent root caries Validity of the AAPD caries risk assessment tool (CAT) and other caries risk assessment techniques

Restorative dentistry topics
Incidence of dental caries developing under dental sealants
Effectiveness of caries prevention and incidence of material failure of dental sealants
Effectiveness of early restorative intervention vs. ‘watchful waiting’ approach to dental caries
Incidence of pulp damage due to dental preparation for full-coverage crowns
Effectiveness of a ‘replace entire restoration’ as compared to ‘repair restoration’ approach for treatment of restorations with secondary caries
Effectiveness of methods to treat dental sensitivity
Longevity of full-porcelain vs. porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
Longevity of amalgam restorations as compared to composite restorations
Longevity of posterior composite restorations
Effectiveness of computerized vs. natural eye color matching methods
Incidence of root fractures following root canal treatment
Longevity of dental abutment teeth that are restored with conventional removable prosthodontics as compared to precision attachment removable prosthodontics
Longevity of amalgam as compared to composite build-ups in preparation for full-crown coverage
Identifying filling materials and restorative approaches that are least associated with post-operative dental sensitivity
Incidence of dental sensitivity due to various dental bleaching methods
Longevity of dental composites placed when using a rubber dam as compared to not using a rubber dam
Effectiveness of cast post-and-core systems as compared to fiber post systems
Relationship between diameter of post and incidence of root fracture
Longevity of/failure rates of different post-and-core materials Comparison of failure/success of various restorative materials/methods
for primary teeth (SSC, amalgam, resin, GIC...)
Comparison of methods for pediatric dentists vs general dentists (also look at actual differences in the groups for methods used)

Endodontic topics
Differential effectiveness of single-appointment as compared to multiple-appointment root canal treatment
Effectiveness of different obturation methods for root canal therapy
Effectiveness of different methods for endodontic irrigation