Determining adolescent/parent priorities in hypodontia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Determining adolescent patient and parent priorities in decision-making for treatment of hypodontia (developmentally missing teeth)
IRAS ID
174789
Contact name
Sophy Barber
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Sometimes teeth do not develop and are missing, this is called hypodontia. It can affect primary and permanent teeth and varies in severity from one to many missing teeth. Hypodontia is relatively common, affecting approximately 5% of the population (1 in 20 people). This is a life-long condition and can have significant impact on patient's self-esteem and quality of life. Teeth missing in the front of the mouth can cause concerns with appearance, while lots of missing teeth can limit what children and young people can eat. Different treatments are available and vary depending on the number of missing teeth, the size of gaps between the teeth and whether the primary teeth are healthy. Currently it is not clear what is important to patients when they are making decisions about treatment for missing teeth.
This study will use mixed methods. Firstly, information about the important aspects of treatment for people with missing teeth and the decision-making process will be identified using a literature review and focus groups/short interviews with adolescents with hypodontia and their parents. The information will be used to design a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) survey, a questionnaire where people pick from different options about treatment based on what they think is important. This will identify which parts of treatment for missing teeth are most important to patients and their parents. Following this, a sample of participants will be contacted to discuss their choices and the decision-making processes behind them.
The results of the research will be shared with patient groups and dentists to encourage improved decision-making. A website will be created to help patients/parents and dentists make decisions when planning care for people with missing teeth.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0804
Date of REC Opinion
27 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion