Key Points
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This is the first in a series of articles describing how general dental practitioners can get involved in research and how to go about this.
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This article identifies the barriers to conducting research in primary dental care and explores how these barriers can be overcome.
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A useful list of sources of advice for those planning to undertake research in the primary dental care setting is provided.
Key Points
Research in primary dental care
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1
Setting the scene
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2
Developing a research question
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3
Designing your study
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4
Measures
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5
Devising a proposal, obtaining funding and ethical considerations
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6
Data analysis
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7
Writing up your research
Abstract
There is a growing trend for research to be conducted in primary health settings, to the benefit of patients and healthcare workers. This article provides an introduction and overview of a series which aims to facilitate research in general dental practice and to encourage general dental practitioners and other members of the dental team to become involved in these studies. The benefits of undertaking research are outlined, as well as barriers to becoming involved in such research. It is argued that many of these barriers can be overcome by encouraging dental practitioners to collaborate with established researchers in a variety of settings.
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References
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Newton, J., Bower, E. & Williams, A. Research in primary dental care Part 1: Setting the scene. Br Dent J 196, 523–526 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4811238
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4811238
