DECIDE

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  DECIDE study: Dental ExtraCtions versus fillings for adult teeth In children: a cost bEnefit/effectiveness analysis

• IRAS ID

  288198

• Contact name

  Greig Taylor

• Contact email

  greig.taylor@newcastle.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Newcastle Univerity

• Duration of Study in the UK

  3 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Problem - The most common adult tooth to cause children problems is the first molar (back) tooth. These are damaged by tooth decay and/or because they did not form properly. If the first molar is damaged it is more likely to further decay and unlikely to last a child’s lifetime. A recent survey of UK dentists found some filled and some removed these teeth. Therefore, we do not know which is better for children, their families or the general public. We need to research whether these teeth should be: a) filled, with fillings needing replacements over time; or b) removed to allow the other teeth possibly fill the space left behind.

  Aim - To identify the most efficient pathway for compromised first permanent molars in children, in terms of extraction versus restoration, including establishing and incorporating public values.

  Project Plans - Three sub-projects will be carried out:

  Sub-project 1
  Obtain information, including public preferences from sub-project 2, about how to treat damaged first molar teeth.
  Simulate what would happen over a child’s lifetime when these teeth are either filled or extracted.
  This will tell which option provides the best value in terms of costs and benefits to patients and the NHS.

  Sub-project 2
  Interview adolescents/members of the public to identify aspects that are important to them when choosing how to manage damaged first molar teeth.
  Develop a questionnaire to find out how adolescents and members of the public value these different aspects.
  This will tell what parts of each treatment option is preferred by looking at the responses and how much they are valued.

  Sub-project 3
  Form a group, including adolescents, members of the public, healthcare professionals and NHS managers to discuss: a) if sub-projects 1/2 reflect reality; and b) how best to use the results to change the way we fund and deliver treatments in the NHS.

• REC name

  North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1

• REC reference

  20/NS/0124

• Date of REC Opinion

  12 Oct 2020

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion