Peer recommendation remains the main factor motivating the purchase of new technology by dentists.

That's according to an investigation by the BDTA whose research project investigating dentists' attitudes towards innovation and training reveals that:

• 66% of respondents stated peer recommendation as a major factor
• 61% of respondents stated lectures/seminars
• Well over half of the dentists surveyed (56%) have integrated practice management software, an increase from 48% in 2008/9
•  Intention to purchase levels remain highest for intraoral digital radiography
•  Uptake of a number of technologies is higher amongst primarily private practices
• Levels of in-surgery internet access have increased significantly from 66% in 2008/9 to 80% in 2009/10

Lectures/seminars remain the most popular training methods but the use of online training has increased considerably since last year.

Respondents preferred to attend courses hosted by dental schools (40%), stating that these courses can often be cheaper, while still being of good quality, evidence based, peer reviewed and unbiased.

More than 200 dentists participated in the research which was conducted by post towards the end of 2009.

A donation has been made to Bridge2Aid for every completed questionnaire returned.

The full results of the research are now available to BDTA members.

For further information on the BDTA visit www.bdta.org.uk.