Considerations and beliefs in tooth donation to research in Jordan

BACKGROUND: Research that involves dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) is growing rapidly. DPSCs can be used for the treatment of craniofacial bone abnormalities and tooth repair. The procedure requires a donation of sound teeth, which might be associated with ethical and moral issues. The purpose of this study was to understand the attitudes and awareness of patients with respect to the donation of their teeth to research. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study involved 500 patients recruited from Dental Care and Dental Teaching Center in Irbid during May 2017–July 2017. RESULTS: A well-structured questionnaire was administered and prepared using Google forms and filled out using a tablet device. The majority of patients (62.8%) were willing to donate their teeth to research with significant association with educational level. Half of the patients considered that the donated tooth belongs to them even after extraction, whereas 19% believed that the researcher owns it after donation. Almost half (53.6%) of the participants wished to be informed about the type of scientific research that will be carried out on their teeth. The majority (66.5%) preferred to sign a consent document on tooth donation to research during the consultation visit before extraction. Finally, about 61% were worried that their tooth might be extracted for research purposes rather than medical purposes. CONCLUSION: A good fraction of Jordanian is willing to donate their teeth to research. Educational programs are demanded to enhance the awareness and attitudes of patients on the ownership of extracted teeth, consent process, and donation of teeth.