RecruitingOther

Improving the adoption of clinical guidelines for the treatment of gum disease in primary dental care

This study focuses on improving how dental practices in North East London deal with gum disease. Gum disease is very common and can lead to serious problems like tooth loss if not properly treated. While there are clear guidelines for dental teams, many practices aren't fully using them. Researchers are teaming up with dentists, hygienists, staff, and patients to find out why this is happening. The goal is to design and test new ways to help practices follow these guidelines more easily and effectively. This could mean better care for patients, fewer serious gum problems, and dental teams working more smoothly. It's about making sure everyone in East London gets the best care for healthy gums.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Periodontal disease

What is this study about?

This study is all about helping dental practices in North East London get better at treating gum disease. You might know gum disease as something that causes bleeding gums, bad breath, or even loose teeth. It's really common, but the good news is that we know how to prevent and manage it. In 2020, new guidelines were created to help dental teams treat gum disease in the best possible way.

The problem is, not all dental practices are finding it easy to use these new guidelines. So, this study wants to understand why that is. Researchers will talk to dental staff (like dentists, hygienists, and receptionists), patients, and NHS managers to figure out what makes it tricky to follow the guidelines. Then, working together, they'll come up with a solution or a new way of working to make it easier for practices to give you the best gum care.

After they design this new approach, they'll try it out in a small number of dental practices to see how well it works. This will help them make any necessary improvements before it's potentially used more widely. The overall goal is to make sure that everyone in North East London gets high-quality treatment for their gum disease, which can lead to healthier teeth and fewer complications down the line.

Key takeaways

Focuses on improving gum disease care in East London.
Works with dental staff, patients, and NHS managers.
Aims to make it easier for practices to follow guidelines.
Could lead to better treatment for gum disease in the future.
No new medication or risky procedures involved.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for general dental practices in North East London. These practices need to have at least 250 regular patients and already offer gum disease treatment through the NHS, including having a dental hygienist on their team.

If a practice takes part, they'll invite at least one dentist, one dental hygienist, and one receptionist to join the study. They'll also ask up to two adult patients who have gum disease and are currently receiving treatment at that practice to take part.

Basically, if you're an adult patient with gum disease being treated at a NHS dental practice in North East London that meets these requirements, you might be asked to join. Practices not in North East London, or those that don't treat gum disease, won't be suitable.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult (18 years or older)?
Do you have gum disease?
Are you a patient at a NHS dental practice in North East London?
Does your dental practice treat gum disease and have a dental hygienist?
Has your dental practice been invited to participate in this study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you or your dental practice takes part, the study will involve a few steps. Firstly, dental practices will be contacted by post to see if they're interested. If they are, researchers will then speak with various people in the practice – dentists, hygienists, reception staff, and also some patients with gum disease. These conversations are to understand the current situation and challenges.

The information gathered will then be used to co-design a solution, which means everyone involved helps create it. Finally, this new solution will be tried out in a small number of practices for a period to see how well it works. The study is planned to run from April 2025 to March 2028. You won't be given any new medication, and the main involvement is sharing your experiences and ideas.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could bring several benefits. It has the potential to improve the quality of care for all patients with gum disease, possibly reducing the need for more complex treatments or hospital visits. It could also help dental teams work more smoothly and effectively. The good news is that there are no major risks involved in taking part. All information you share will be kept private, and you are completely free to change your mind and leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your dental care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

General dental practices
City only
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums that can lead to bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and even tooth loss if not treated.

Why is this study needed?

New guidelines exist for treating gum disease, but many dental practices aren't fully using them. This study aims to find ways to help practices follow these guidelines better, so patients get the best care.

Will I get any special treatment if I join?

The study isn't about giving you new treatment, but about improving how your dental practice provides care for gum disease generally. Your role would be to share your experiences.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by Barts Charity, a charity based in the UK, to improve health in East London.

How long will the study last?

The study is expected to run for about three years, from April 2025 to March 2028.

How to find out more

Aalia Karamat

a.karamat@qmul.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7882 3704 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.