You are invited to participate in a study conducted by Dr. Kathleen Porter PhD, RD (a public health researcher at the University of Virginia) and VDA member Dr. Emily Kate Bowen DDS (Director of the Dental Assistant Program at Mountain Empire Community College). Drs. Porter and Bowen are working with the UVA Cancer Center to learn more about what dental professionals in rural communities think, do, and want to do related to supporting cancer control activities (e.g., HPV vaccination, tobacco cessation, and reducing sugary drinks).

We encourage you to provide your input on this important topic.* While rural communities are highly burdened by cancer, they are often medically underserved, and residents may not be able to receive cancer prevention and screening services in "usual" ways. Rural dental practices may be able to help fill this gap and reduce cancer disparities. The results of this study will help the UVA Cancer Center identify pragmatic ways dental practices can play a role in cancer prevention and control.

The focus group and short follow-up survey should together take about one hour. Your participation is voluntary and all responses will be kept confidential. Participants will receive a Yeti Thermos as a token of appreciation for their time and expertise. 

Learn more and complete an interest screener 

This research study is approved by the UVA SBS-IRB #4491. If you have any questions or concerns about the study, please contact Dr. Kathleen Porter at kjporter@virginia.edu. 

We sincerely thank you for your contribution to this study. 

*The Virginia Dental Association is supporting Drs. Porter and Bowen making potential participants aware of the opportunity. No contact information or other personal information has been provided to the research group or to anyone outside of the VDA.