Public Willingness to Participate in and Share Three-Dimensional (3D) Image Data from Orofacial Research: Results from a Preliminary Online Survey of Scottish Public Opinion

Background: Orofacial traits are influenced by a large number of loci; requiring large population-based studies for their detection. Public willingness to participate in and share three-dimensional (3D) image data from orofacial genetic research is essential to ensure feasible implementation of these studies. This preliminary study aims to explore the Scottish public’s willingness to participate in and share 3D image data from orofacial genetic research, providing baseline data for future research. Methods: The online survey was administered from the 14th June–14th July 2017. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test for association with willingness to participate in and share image data from orofacial genetic research, with baseline demographics and prior knowledge of orofacial research as covariates. Results: A total of 82 members of the Scottish public were recruited. The majority of respondents (83%) would participate in a research project that involves the collection of facial images. Of those who would participate, most (93%) would share their data outside of the UK. Fewer (3%) would only share their data within the UK. Education level and prior knowledge of the oral-systemic health relationship were associated with respondent’s willing ness to participate. Education level was also associated with respondent’s willingness to share image data. Conclusions: This preliminary study indicates a high level of willingness among the Scottish public to participate in and share data from orofacial genetic research. The findings suggest that education level and prior knowledge of oral-systemic health influence participation, highlighting the need for targeted public engagement in orofacial genetic research. These results lay the groundwork for larger, more diverse studies to further explore these associations.