IRAS351648 STH23379- Protocol (Dentine Hypersensitivity Study) (v2.1) (11-12-25)

Dentine hypersensitivity is a common oral health complaint that affects about 25-30% of the adult population. The diagnosis of the condition is limited by the lack of availability of reliable or standardised methods and the subjectivity involved in measuring the pain. This research project investigates the implications of the limited diagnostic testing on patients experiencing dentine hypersensitivity. The study will also explore salivary microbiome analysis as a potential way for introducing objectivity in the diagnostic process and the patients’ acceptability for microbiome testing.The project will follow a mixed methods approach of qualitative and quantitative components simultaneously. The qualitative approach will focus on a participant’s journey from first experiencing the sensation of sensitivity to receiving a diagnosis of dentine hypersensitivity. This will include seeking answers to questions like how easy or difficult it is for patients to have diagnostic conversations with their dentists, what role diagnosis plays in their lives and how it affects their behaviour in relation to the condition. The quantitative approach will focus on exploring the potential role of salivary biomarkers in supporting dentine hypersensitivity diagnostics.The project is ethically approved by the HRA and REC as part of ethical approval. (IRAS351648 STH23379)For any requests to obtain the protocol, contact e.v.bird@sheffield.ac.uk or b.j.gibson@sheffield.ac.uk.