Race and the root canal: do dentists decide differently based on skin color?
NCT ID NCT07705477
First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study investigates whether a patient's race influences dentists' decisions to recommend root canal treatment versus tooth extraction. About 125 general dentists in the U.S. are randomly assigned to review a case of either a Black or a White patient and then choose a treatment. The goal is to uncover any implicit bias in dental care decisions.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If this study finds a link between patient race and treatment decisions, it could point toward ways to reduce racial disparities in dental care.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small survey study, not a clinical trial of a treatment. Results may not reflect real-world behavior or apply to all dentists.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for IMPLICIT BIAS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
New York University College of Dentistry
New York, New York, 10010, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Could looser jaundice rules spare preterm babies unnecessary treatment?
- Can data and doulas close the racial gap in maternal care?
- Can virtual simulations reduce hidden bias in nursing?
- Art therapy for nurses: a new way to fight stigma in newborn care?
- Blood test may help Fine-Tune heart drug dosing
- Walking in a patient's shoes: exercise suit aims to cut weight bias among health students