Effects of Implicit Bias in Clinician Decision-making of Tooth Restorability

Effects of Implicit Bias in Clinician Decision-making of Tooth Restorability

This study aims to determine the association between race and clinical decision-making for dental treatment planning. The investigators conducted cross-sectional survey on participants, who are randomized to one of two patient race conditions.

The study is a randomized cross-sectional survey which is marketed as an exploration of tooth restorability. The condition of randomization is patient race. Dentist participants are randomized to a patient (either Black or White race) and provided with a clinical vignette. The participants are asked to review the clinical vignette and provide their treatment recommendation. Then, they answer questions on dentist and patient demographics. Next, they complete two Implicit Association Tests related to race and dentistry. Finally, the participants are given a debrief of the true purpose of the study. The survey is completed in one sitting.

Inclusion Criteria:

• General dentist
• Actively in clinical practice in the United States

Exclusion Criteria:

• Other specialties of dentistry