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An Analysis of Response Rate and Economic Costs Between Mail and Web-Based Surveys Among Practicing Dentists: A Randomized Trial

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Abstract

This study explored the economic costs and response rate of mail and web-based surveys with practicing dentists. A random sample of 6,000 practicing dentists was randomly assigned into three groups of 2,000: choice (mail or web-based), postal mail, or web-based. The Florida Tobacco Control Survey 2009, which is composed of 28 questions (including subject demographic questions), served as the survey instrument. A total of 1,232 surveys were returned by the three different groups (21% overall response rate). Response rates were best for the mail (26%) with the worst response rate coming from the Web group (11%). However, a cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that web surveys were 2.68 times more cost effective.

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Acknowledgments

The study would not have been possible without the dentists who gave of their time to complete the survey. Thank you. The corresponding author would like to thank Ms. Kathleen Hagen for her work in proofreading this document.

Conflict interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

    Patrick C. Hardigan & Jay M. Fleisher

  2. Department of Orthodontics, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

    Claudia Tammy Succar

Authors
  1. Patrick C. Hardigan
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  2. Claudia Tammy Succar
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  3. Jay M. Fleisher
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Correspondence to Patrick C. Hardigan.

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Hardigan, P.C., Succar, C.T. & Fleisher, J.M. An Analysis of Response Rate and Economic Costs Between Mail and Web-Based Surveys Among Practicing Dentists: A Randomized Trial. J Community Health 37, 383–394 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-011-9455-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-011-9455-6

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