A practice-based evaluation

The aim of this article is to describe how a group of practice–based researchers, the PREP Panel, considered the handling of Dentsply Sirona Nupro White Varnish.

Methods

A questionnaire was developed jointly by the PREP Panel co-ordinators and members of the Dentsply Sirona team, this being designed to assess the respondents’ opinions on the presentation of the varnish, its ease of use and other aspects, such as flavour.

Selection of participants

All 33 members of the practice-based research group, the PREP Panel, were sent an email asking if they would be willing to evaluate a new fluoride varnish. Of those who responded in the affirmative, 13 general dental practitioner members of the PREP Panel were selected at random, three of whom were female. Their average time since graduation was 27 years, with a range of 13 to 38 years.

Explanatory letters, questionnaires and two packs of 50 Nupro White Varnish sachets (one of each flavour) were distributed to evaluators in February 2017. The practitioners were asked to use the materials as indicated and return the questionnaires after 10 weeks. Questionnaires were completed by 10 GDPs and 12 hygienists.