Research in Primary Oral Healthcare. Where have we Been? Where are we Going?

Abstract

Key aims of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (UK) include promoting research in primary dental care and helping members to develop research skills. Progress in achieving these aims has been slow. Two major barriers—lack of relevant skills and finance—have been cited in the past;^1,2 however, in the 1990s primary dental care was selected by the Department of Health as one of ten topics for specific funding within the national research and development (R&D) programme. For many years a small number of general dental practitioners (GDPs) have undertaken research projects as part of a master's or (for a very small number) doctorate degree, and have acquired research skills. Invariably they have suffered loss of practice income in the process. More recently, there have been opportunities such as the NHS Researcher Development Award³ for GDPs to acquire research skills without any loss of income. Furthermore, the increasing emphasis on the provision of evidence-based care founded on robust and relevant research and the changes in the system for the provision of primary oral healthcare within the NHS should provide new research opportunities for GDPs to take part in research without financial loss.