Abstract
Background/Objectives: Early diagnosis of periodontal disease is vital for preventing disease progression and improving patient outcomes. This study explored healthcare professionals’ perspectives on a novel minimally invasive biofluid sampling device in-tended for periodontal disease diagnosis. Methods: A co-design approach was used to engage end users during early device development. Two focus group discussions were conducted with dentists, followed by an online questionnaire completed by dentists and other oral healthcare professionals. The aim was to gather opinions, preferences, and suggestions regarding the proposed device’s design and clinical application. Re-sults: The innovation was well received by survey respondents (n = 54) and partici-pants of the focus group discussions, who also provided insightful comments on as-pects including physical features, diagnostic value, usability, and integration with clinical workflow. Conclusions: The co-design process revealed that there is a need for the novel biofluid sampling device. Suggestions from the participants helped improve an early internal Target Product Profile and bring the device closer to clinical require-ments and expectations.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 95 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-18 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Oral |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Early online date | 27 Nov 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published online - 27 Nov 2025 |
Data Access Statement
For details regarding where data supporting reported results can be found, please contact the corresponding author at [email protected].Funding
This study was funded by the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, through Ulster University as part of the researcher training funds with funding number: 84212Q.
Keywords
- periodontal diseases
- diagnostics
- co-design
- dentist
- hydrogel device
- biofluid
- oral fluid sampling
- minimally invasive
- target product profile
- healthcare professionals