Précis
This study characterized and examined the structure, content, and pathways of clinical information in the dental information ecosystem. It also gave attention to disruptive events that impact knowledge and information diffusion through a focus on alternative nicotine products (ANPs). The study addressed the clinical information-seeking networks (both formal and informal) of dentists and hygienists.
This was a multi-methodological 39-month study that was conducted in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (National Dental PBRN). The study involved one round of survey implementation, on-going bibliometric data collection and web scraping, as well as one round of feedback interviews/focus groups via video conference and/or at regional Dental PBRN meetings.