Adoption of innovative caries-control services in dental practice: a survey of Washington State dentists.

To assess the adoptability of the medical model for caries control, the authors surveyed general dentists about their use of four caries-control services among adult patients: salivary functioning tests, fluoride varnishes, chlorhexidine rinses, and pit-and-fissure sealants. Responses indicated that leaders in the dental community and those with a wider network of professional colleagues were likely to adopt new services more quickly than other dentists. Earlier adopters also had more correct information about these services than later or nonadopters. Overall, the knowledge base of the services studied in this survey was not uniform, making adoption of the medical model for caries control premature.