169 - Understanding Adoption of Zirconia in Private Practice Pediatric Dentistry: A Qualitative Study

Friday, May 26, 2023

11:20 AM – 11:35 AM

Location: Exhibit Hall

Has Audio

Presenting Author(s)

Christopher B. Adams, DDS (he/him/his)

Resident
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
University of North Carolina
Durham, North Carolina, United States

Co-Author(s)

ID

Ingeborg De Kok, DDS, MS

UNC
RK

Rand Khasawneh, DDS

UNC
Jessica Y. Lee, DDS, MPH, PhD

Chair, Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health; William W. Demeritt Distinguished Professor
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Tim Wright, DDS, MS

Professor
UNC
The University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

Program Director(s)

SC

Scott W. Cashion, DDS, MS

Associate Professor and Program Director
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

Research Mentor(s)

Tim Wright, DDS, MS

Professor
UNC
The University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

Purpose: To understand factors influencing adoption of preformed zirconia crowns in private practice pediatric dentistry. Methods: This qualitative study engaged fourteen private practice pediatric dentists that were purposely sampled for a range of experience with preformed primary tooth zirconia crowns. Participants were interrogated using semi-structured questions as a guide during an interview conducted via Zoom video conferencing. Participants’ transcripts were generated and then systematically analyzed using MAXQDA 2022. Qualitative validity was confirmed with Cohen’s Kappa and analyst triangulation. Results: The most prominent factors reported as affecting adoption of zirconia crowns are material properties, parent expectations, intra-residency exposure and pharmacologic behavior management. Conclusion: While all pediatric dentists were aware of preformed zirconia crowns and their indications, great variability exists in providers’ willingness and comfort level with delivering zirconia crowns. Provider and parent specific factors outweighed empirical evidence when treatment planning zirconia crowns. Practical Implications: Understanding how technology is adopted in clinical practice can guide industry innovation and improve knowledge dissemination within clinical dentistry.