FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
preguntas frecuentes en español

Why is this study being done?                                                                           

The purpose of this study is to evaluate Willamette Dental Group’s cavity prevention program as it is experienced by Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (NH/OPI) child patients and their families, a group that is rarely studied in this kind of research. We hope to learn about how you and/or your child
feel about your overall care experience at the dentist, about your/your child’s oral health habits and attitudes, and about the cultural and family context in which you are raising and caring for your child.

Who is funding this study?

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) pays for the conduct of this study, including part of the researchers’ salaries. This disclosure is made so that you can decide if this relationship will affect your willingness to participate in this study.

How many people will participate in this study?

Up to 50 people will take part in this study. Parents of children ages 0 – 17 will be recruited for this study.

Who is eligible for this study?

Parents and caregivers of Willamette Dental Group patients aged 0-17 who identify as members of the NH/OPI community who have been contacted and recruited for this study. You and your child are being asked to participate because your child visited a Willamette Dental Group clinic at least twice since November 2013, and because you and/or your child identify as members of the NH/OPI community.

Is this study participation voluntary?

Participation in this study is completely voluntary and requires consent from both the parent/guardian and the participant. If a parent gives permission for their child to participate, but the child does not want to participate, then he/she/they does not participate. Also, if the child wants to participate, but their parents say no, then they cannot participate.

What does the study involve?

Participants will be asked to complete a one-on-one or two-on-one interview with a UCSF researcher. Interviews will take place via video conference (Zoom). Participants will have the option of turning off their camera prior to the Zoom interview. If participants do not have internet access, interviews can take place over the phone.

How much time will the study take?

Participation in this interview study will take a total of about 45 minutes over the course of 1 day.

What risks are there to individuals who participate?

This is a minimal risk study. Some of the interview questions may produce embarrassment or uncomfortable feelings, but you and your child are free to decline to answer any questions you do not wish to or do not feel comfortable answering. The linking of any dental record information to the survey responses will be done using a special code, and personal identifiers, such as name or address, would not ever be included. There is a risk of your information being seen by someone else, but we will do everything possible to avoid this.

Will the interview be recorded?

Yes. An audio recording will be made of the interview. After the interview, someone will type into a computer a transcript of what’s on the recording and will remove any mention of names or contact information. Participants will have the option of turning off their camera prior to the Zoom interview.

Are there benefits to taking part in the study?

There will be no direct benefits from participating in this study. However, the information that a participant provides will help us better understand the cavity prevention program at Willamette Dental Group.

Is this study confidential?

Yes. All personal information will be kept secure and confidential. Personal information including names and contact information will not be directly linked to the participants’ interview transcript. What participants say in the interview will NOT be shared with anyone outside our research team, including parents/guardians, family, school administrators, or law enforcement. If this study is published or presented in a scientific meeting, none of the participants will be identified nor will any individual results be shared.

Are there any costs to me for taking part in this study?

No. The sponsor has agreed to pay for all items associated with this research study; you or your insurer will not be billed.

Will participants be paid?

In return for their time, effort and inconvenience, participants will receive a $50 electronic gift card immediately following their interview.

What do we mean by parent “or caregiver”?

This can be any adult family member who is involved in taking care of the child or adolescent, such as a parent, step-parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, etc.

Who can answer my questions about the study?

If you have any questions about the study, you can contact the researcher(s):