An interventional study of Clinical Case Scenario in Clinical Decision-Making, Gender Identity and Transgender Persons, sponsored by Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Completed at 1 site in Brazil. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-30.
Sponsored by Universidade Federal de Santa Maria · Not applicable, Interventional, and Health services research
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This randomized study evaluated whether patient gender identity influences dentists' clinical decision-making. Dentists in southern Brazil were randomly assigned to receive one of two versions of the same hypothetical dental clinical case. The cases were identical except for the patient's gender identity, which was presented as either a transgender woman or a cisgender woman.
Participants selected treatment options for anterior and posterior teeth and completed questionnaires regarding professional characteristics and knowledge about transgender health. The primary objective was to determine whether patient gender identity influenced treatment recommendations. Differences in clinical decision-making between groups were analyzed using regression models.
Clinical decision-making in dentistry may be influenced by factors beyond clinical findings, including professional characteristics, personal beliefs, and social perceptions. While disparities related to race and socioeconomic status have been documented in oral health care, little is known about the influence of patient gender identity on dentists' treatment decisions.
This randomized parallel-group study was conducted among practicing dentists in southern Brazil between September 2023 and April 2024. Participants were randomly assigned to evaluate one of two versions of a hypothetical dental clinical case. The clinical information, photographs, complaints, and treatment scenarios were identical in both versions, differing only in the patient's gender identity. In one version, the patient was identified as a transgender woman, while in the other the patient was identified as a cisgender woman.
Participants selected treatment options for an anterior tooth and a posterior tooth and subsequently completed questionnaires addressing sociodemographic characteristics, professional profile, previous experience with transgender patients, and training related to transgender health. The primary outcome was the treatment recommendation provided by the dentist. Recommendations were categorized into conservative and invasive treatment approaches for analysis.
The study aimed to determine whether patient gender identity influences dentists' clinical decision-making and to identify professional characteristics associated with treatment recommendations.
Universidade Federal de Santa Maria is the lead sponsor of 37 studies on the registry; 2 are open to participants now.
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Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Participants evaluated a hypothetical dental clinical case in which the patient was identified as a transgender woman. Clinical information, complaints, and treatment options were identical to the comparison arm.
Behavioral: Clinical Case Scenario
Participants evaluated a hypothetical dental clinical case in which the patient was identified as a cisgender woman. Clinical information, complaints, and treatment options were identical to the comparison arm.
Behavioral: Clinical Case Scenario
Participants were randomly assigned to evaluate one of two versions of a hypothetical dental clinical case. The cases contained identical clinical information, photographs, complaints, and treatment options, differing only in the patient's gender identity. One version described a transgender woman and the other described a cisgender woman. Participants selected treatment recommendations based on the assigned scenario.
Treatment Recommendation for Posterior Tooth
Treatment recommendation for tooth 26 based on the assigned clinical case. Available options included endodontic treatment followed by direct composite restoration, endodontic treatment followed by indirect ceramic restoration, or extraction.
Time frame: Immediately after questionnaire completion
Treatment Recommendation for Anterior Tooth
Treatment recommendation for tooth 11 based on the assigned clinical case. Available options included no intervention, repair of the composite restoration, replacement of the restoration, direct composite veneer, or indirect ceramic veneer.
Time frame: Immediately after questionnaire completion
Plan to share: No — Individual participant data will not be made publicly available because the study collected information from individual professionals under conditions of confidentiality and anonymity. Data sharing may be restricted by ethical and institutional requirements.
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Ran from Sep 2023 to primary completion in Apr 2024, 6 months.
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This study is completed, as verified in Jun 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Universidade Federal de Santa Maria