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121+ Interesting Dental Research Topics for Undergraduates

dental research topics

Did you know poor oral health can be linked to heart disease? It’s true! This surprising fact underscores the importance of dental research in maintaining overall health and well-being. 

Understanding the intricate connections between oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease highlights the critical role of research in advancing our knowledge and improving patient outcomes. 

In this blog, we will delve into various dental research topics tailored specifically for undergraduates, providing insights, resources, and inspiration to explore this fascinating field further. 

Whether you’re passionate about dentistry or simply curious about the intersection of oral health and overall wellness, join us as we uncover the exciting possibilities in dental research for undergraduates.

What is Dental Research Topic?

Table of Contents

A dental research topic is a subject of study within the field of dentistry that aims to explore, investigate, and analyze various aspects related to oral health, dental care, and dental treatments. 

These topics cover a wide range of areas, including but not limited to dental diseases, preventive measures, treatment methods, oral hygiene practices, dental technology advancements, and the impact of oral health on overall well-being. 

Dental research topics provide opportunities for scholars, researchers, and students to contribute to the advancement of dental science, improve patient care, and address current challenges in oral health care.

Importance of Dental Research Topics for Undergraduates

Dental research topics are essential for undergraduates for several reasons:

Skill Development

Engaging in dental research topics helps undergraduates develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills essential for their academic and professional growth.

Contribution to Knowledge

Undertaking research allows undergraduates to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in dentistry, advancing the field and addressing emerging challenges.

Career Preparation

Research experience enhances students’ competitiveness for dental school admissions, graduate programs, and future careers in academia, clinical practice, or research institutions.

Practical Application

Research topics offer undergraduates the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of dental concepts and techniques.

Professional Networking

Engaging in research exposes undergraduates to collaboration with peers, faculty, and professionals, facilitating valuable networking opportunities within the dental community.

Popular Dental Research Topics for Undergraduates

Dental research topics for undergraduates encompass a wide range of areas within dentistry. Here are some examples across different subfields:

Dental Diseases

  • The role of genetics in the development of periodontal disease.
  • Strategies for early detection and prevention of dental caries.
  • Investigating the link between diabetes and periodontal disease.
  • Factors influencing the prevalence of oral cancer among different demographics.
  • Impact of dietary habits on the occurrence of enamel erosion.
  • Effectiveness of fluoride in preventing dental decay.
  • The role of saliva in maintaining oral health and preventing diseases.
  • Trends in the prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders.
  • Oral manifestations of systemic diseases: A comprehensive review.
  • Investigating the relationship between oral health and overall systemic health.
  • The effectiveness of probiotics in preventing oral infections.
  • Psychological factors influencing dental anxiety and its management.

Dental Treatments

  • Comparison of different types of dental implants: Materials, techniques, and success rates.
  • Advancements in minimally invasive techniques for dental restoration.
  • Comparative analysis of traditional braces versus clear aligners in orthodontic treatment.
  • The role of lasers in various dental procedures: Benefits and limitations.
  • Innovations in endodontic treatment: From rotary instruments to regenerative techniques.
  • Efficacy of different whitening agents in professional and over-the-counter dental bleaching.
  • The impact of COVID-19 on dental practice: Adaptations, challenges, and future implications.
  • Investigating the use of stem cells in dental tissue regeneration.
  • Comparative study of different materials used in dental restorations: Strength, durability, and aesthetics.
  • Exploring the potential of 3D printing technology in prosthodontics and oral surgery.
  • Patient satisfaction and outcomes following different types of orthognathic surgeries.
  • Long-term success rates of various techniques in root canal therapy.

Oral Health Promotion and Education

  • Effectiveness of school-based oral health education programs in improving children’s oral hygiene.
  • Strategies for promoting oral health in underserved communities: Challenges and solutions.
  • Role of social media and technology in disseminating oral health information.
  • Impact of community water fluoridation on dental caries prevention.
  • The role of parents and caregivers in establishing children’s oral hygiene habits.
  • Cultural influences on oral health beliefs and practices: Implications for public health campaigns.
  • Effectiveness of motivational interviewing in promoting behavior change for better oral health.
  • Investigating the efficacy of school-based dental sealant programs.
  • Oral health literacy among different populations: Assessments and interventions.
  • The role of dentists in advocating for policies promoting oral health equity.
  • Strategies for improving oral health outcomes among elderly populations.
  • Integrating oral health education into primary care settings: Opportunities and challenges.

Dental Materials and Biomaterials

  • Biocompatibility of dental materials: Assessing safety and long-term effects.
  • Development of antimicrobial dental materials to prevent biofilm formation.
  • Investigating the mechanical properties of novel dental composites.
  • Bioactive materials in dentistry: Applications and clinical implications.
  • Biodegradable materials for temporary dental restorations.
  • Nanotechnology in dentistry: Potential applications and future directions.
  • Development of remineralizing agents for the management of dental caries.
  • Investigating the properties and applications of dental ceramics.
  • Biomimetic materials in dentistry: Mimicking natural tooth structure for improved outcomes.
  • Sustainable practices in dental material manufacturing and disposal.
  • Advances in adhesive systems for bonding dental restorations.
  • Biomechanical properties of dental implant materials: Enhancing stability and osseointegration.

Oral Microbiology and Immunology

  • Microbiome of the oral cavity: Composition, dynamics, and role in health and disease.
  • Host-pathogen interactions in periodontal diseases: Insights into disease progression.
  • Immunological responses to dental biofilms and their implications for treatment.
  • Role of probiotics in modulating oral microbiota and preventing dental diseases.
  • Viral infections in dentistry: From herpesviruses to SARS-CoV-2.
  • Impact of antimicrobial resistance on dental infections and treatment outcomes.
  • Microbial ecology of dental plaques in different oral environments.
  • Oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS: Diagnosis, management, and implications.
  • Biofilm formation on dental implant surfaces: Prevention and management strategies.
  • Innate and adaptive immune responses in oral mucosal diseases.
  • Virulence factors of oral pathogens and their role in disease progression.
  • Immunomodulatory properties of dental materials and their impact on tissue response.

Dental Public Health

  • Epidemiology of dental diseases: Trends, disparities, and risk factors.
  • Health promotion strategies for improving access to dental care in rural areas.
  • Oral health inequalities among different socioeconomic groups: Causes and solutions.
  • Cost-effectiveness of preventive dental interventions: A systematic review.
  • Integrating oral health into primary care: Models of collaborative practice.
  • Tele-dentistry: Opportunities and challenges for improving access to dental care.
  • Oral health surveillance systems: Monitoring trends and assessing needs.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of community water fluoridation programs.
  • Role of dental professionals in addressing oral health disparities.
  • Impact of environmental factors on oral health outcomes: Pollution, climate change, and urbanization.
  • Dental workforce issues: Distribution, shortages, and workforce diversity.
  • Oral health policies and advocacy: Strategies for promoting legislative change.

Pediatric Dentistry

  • Early childhood caries: Risk factors, prevention, and management strategies.
  • Behavior management techniques in pediatric dentistry: Evidence-based approaches.
  • Oral health outcomes of children with special healthcare needs: Challenges and interventions.
  • Dental trauma in children: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Assessment of dental fear and anxiety in pediatric patients: Tools and interventions.
  • Maternal and child oral health: Prenatal factors influencing dental health outcomes.
  • Dental developmental anomalies: Diagnosis, management, and long-term implications.
  • Effectiveness of fluoride varnish application in preventing dental caries in children.
  • Impact of nutrition and dietary habits on pediatric oral health.
  • Pediatric sedation techniques in dentistry: Safety, efficacy, and guidelines.
  • Orthodontic considerations in pediatric dentistry: Early intervention and treatment planning.
  • Pediatric dental emergencies: Management and prevention strategies.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

  • Outcomes of orthognathic surgery in patients with skeletal discrepancies.
  • Management of impacted third molars: Indications, techniques, and complications.
  • Reconstruction of maxillofacial defects following trauma or tumor resection: Surgical options and outcomes.
  • Temporomandibular joint disorders: Diagnosis, management, and surgical interventions.
  • Bone grafting techniques in implant dentistry: Approaches and success rates.
  • Surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea: Role of maxillomandibular advancement.
  • Surgical treatment options for cleft lip and palate: Multidisciplinary approaches and long-term outcomes.
  • Surgical management of oral and maxillofacial infections: Antibiotic therapy, drainage, and debridement.
  • Soft tissue augmentation techniques in aesthetic and functional maxillofacial surgery.
  • Advancements in minimally invasive techniques for orthognathic surgery.
  • Surgical management of facial trauma: Emergency interventions and long-term rehabilitation.
  • Digital planning and navigation in oral and maxillofacial surgery: Enhancing precision and outcomes.

Dental Education and Training

  • Effectiveness of simulation-based training in dental education: Skill acquisition and retention.
  • Integration of digital technology into dental curricula: Challenges and opportunities.
  • Peer-assisted learning in dental education: Impact on student performance and satisfaction.
  • Interprofessional education in dentistry: Collaborative approaches to patient care.
  • Continuing education requirements for dental professionals: Trends and implications.
  • Assessment methods in dental education: Moving beyond traditional exams.
  • The role of mentorship in shaping the career trajectories of dental students.
  • Global perspectives in dental education: Cross-cultural experiences and challenges.
  • Incorporating evidence-based practice into dental curricula: Strategies and outcomes.
  • Tele-education in dentistry: Remote learning platforms and their effectiveness.
  • Student perceptions of clinical experiences in dental education: Barriers and facilitators.
  • Innovations in competency-based dental education: Assessing clinical proficiency and readiness for practice.

Dental Technology and Innovation

  • Artificial intelligence in dentistry: Applications in diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcomes prediction.
  • Virtual reality and augmented reality in dental education and patient care.
  • Robotics in dentistry: Automation of procedures and precision in surgical interventions.
  • Wearable technology for monitoring oral health behaviors and conditions.
  • 3D printing in dentistry: Customization of dental implants, prostheses, and surgical guides.
  • Digital smile design: Utilizing technology for aesthetic treatment planning and communication.
  • Smart materials in dentistry: Self-healing, self-cleaning, and bioactive properties.
  • Teledentistry platforms for remote consultations, monitoring, and patient education.
  • Biomimetic approaches in dental materials design: Mimicking natural tooth structure and function.
  • Nanomaterials in oral healthcare products: Enhanced delivery systems and therapeutic applications.
  • Bioprinting of dental tissues and organs: Advancements in regenerative dentistry.
  • Energy-based devices in dentistry: Laser therapy, photobiomodulation, and electrosurgery applications.
  • Development of a Smart Toothbrush with Artificial Intelligence Integration.

These topics offer a comprehensive overview of the diverse areas within the field of dental research and provide undergraduates with a plethora of options for exploring their interests and making meaningful contributions to the discipline.

Current Trends in Dental Research

Several trends were prevalent in dental research. While there may have been further developments since then, here are some prominent trends at that time:

Biomimetic Dentistry

Mimicking natural tooth structure and function using advanced materials and techniques.

Tele-dentistry

Utilizing technology for remote consultations, monitoring, and patient education, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regenerative Dentistry

Developing therapies to regenerate dental tissues and promote natural healing processes.

Personalized Dentistry

Tailoring treatment plans based on individual patient characteristics, genetics, and preferences.

Minimally Invasive Dentistry

Emphasizing conservative approaches to preserve tooth structure and improve patient comfort.

Digital Dentistry

Integration of digital technology for diagnostics, treatment planning, and fabrication of dental restorations.

Nanotechnology

Utilizing nanomaterials for improved dental materials, drug delivery systems, and diagnostic tools.

Challenges in Dental Research Topics

Dental research, like any scientific field, faces its share of challenges. These challenges can span various aspects of the research process, from funding and resources to methodological complexities and ethical considerations. Here are some common challenges in dental research:

Funding Constraints

Limited financial resources hinder the initiation and continuation of dental research projects.

Access to Resources

Inadequate access to specialized equipment, materials, and facilities poses a barrier to conducting comprehensive research.

Recruitment of Participants

Difficulty in recruiting diverse and representative study populations affects the generalizability of research findings.

Ethical Considerations

Navigating ethical complexities, such as informed consent and privacy concerns, adds challenges to dental research.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Facilitating collaboration between dental professionals, researchers, and other disciplines is essential but often challenging.

Translation of Research into Practice

Bridging the gap between research findings and clinical implementation remains a significant challenge in dental research.

The exploration of dental research topics holds immense promise for advancing oral health care and addressing multifaceted challenges within the field. 

From unraveling the mysteries of oral diseases to pioneering innovative treatments and technologies, dental research serves as the cornerstone of progress and improvement in patient outcomes. 

Despite facing various challenges such as funding constraints and ethical considerations, the pursuit of dental research remains crucial for enhancing preventive measures, refining treatment modalities, and promoting overall well-being.

By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, embracing emerging trends, and prioritizing the translation of research findings into practice, the dental community can continue to drive impactful discoveries and advancements for the benefit of individuals worldwide.

1. How can I stay updated on the latest dental research?

Staying updated on the latest dental research can be as simple as subscribing to reputable dental journals, attending conferences, and following dental research institutions and experts on social media platforms.

2. What are some examples of emerging dental research topics?

Emerging dental research topics include genetics and oral health, biomaterials and tissue engineering, and microbiome studies, among others.

3. Why is dental research important for patients?

Dental research drives innovation in oral healthcare, leading to improved treatment outcomes, personalized care, and enhanced preventive strategies for patients.

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About the Journal of Dental Hygiene

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American Dental Hygienists' Association: 98 (1)

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  • Aerosol Generating Procedures and Associated Control/Mitigation Measures: A position paper from the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association
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Dental research themes.

Our many valued members of staff, partners and collaborators support the desire to transform health systems and healthcare delivery, reduce the costs of those systems, and improve the lives of individuals and communities locally and globally. The Melbourne Dental School's research themes include;

Clinical Research

Clinical Research by the Dental School focuses on providing opportunities for cutting-edge research into a wide range of oral diseases, new technologies & materials and improvements to clinical practice

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Dental Material research is focused on investigating & developing both preventive & restorative materials, technologies and their application for damaged tooth & bone tissue

Forensic Bone Biology

This area of Dental Research includes 3 dimensional (3D) morphometrics or facial mapping, bone biology and biomechanics, and the study of dental records in a forensic context

Oral Infection and Immunity

Focused on the understanding of oral diseases at the microbial, molecular & immunological level - with a view to the development of novel, effective, and specific prevention & treatment strategies

Population and Oral Health

Focused on oral health for communities, Population and Oral Health explores preventive dentistry, diagnosis and treatment planning, epidemiology & public health, periodontics & implant dentistry

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Recent research trends in dentistry

Affiliations.

  • 1 Centre of Studies in Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Sungai Buloh Campus, University Technology MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia.
  • 2 Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
  • 3 Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, NIMS Dental College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
  • PMID: 28492186
  • DOI: 10.4103/0970-4388.206038

Research being an investigative process is employed to increase or revise the current knowledge. Scientific research involves the conduct of a methodical study to prove a hypothesis or give an answer to a specific question with the main aim of finding definitive answer. This paper aims to advance knowledge of research and develop interest in the postgraduate students. It also throws light on the existing and emerging research strengths within a "high-performance culture." The trends in dental research worldwide are looked at, in particular, a comparison between the publication status in two countries, namely India and Australia. The current themes in dental research are also discussed to facilitate future projects for the aspiring pediatric dentists. Stress is given to the importance of evidence-based dentistry as the current times call for high-quality and ethical papers which are devoid of plagiarism. The common reasons for failure of a research are explored and the strengthening factors are highlighted. Proper planning of a pertinent research project is beneficial to the researcher as well as the dental community.

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A Concise Review on Qualitative Research in Dentistry

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Qualitative research collects non-numerical data that explores human behaviour, attitudes, beliefs and personality characteristics unamendable to quantitative research. The qualitative research questions are open-ended, evolving and non-directional. The study design is flexible and iterative. Purposive sampling is commonly used. The sample size is determined by theoretical saturation. Data collection is generally through in-depth interviews, focus groups and observations. Qualitative research commonly uses thematic analysis and framework analysis, although there is no consensus on analysing qualitative data. The reporting format can be comprehensive, a summary, developmental or selective, subject to the research question. Qualitative research’s potential functions are to describe the form or nature of what exists (contextual), to examine the reasons for or associations between what exists (explanatory), to appraise the effectiveness of what exists (evaluative), and to aid the development of strategies (generative). Qualitative research can be time consuming to conduct because it explores evolving questions; difficult to generalise because it recruits limited participants; and arduous when it comes to making systematic comparisons because responses are subjective. However, qualitative research can provide depth and detail, create openness, simulate people’s individual experiences and avoid pre-judgements. This concise review provides an overview and suggestions for dental researchers when conducting a qualitative study.

1. Introduction

The vast majority of dental research has been conducted in quantitative methodologies in nature [ 1 ]. Over the last few decades, along with the rise of qualitative studies conducted in health services research, dental researchers recognized the significant role of qualitative research in dentistry. Qualitative research provides a new perspective of perceiving and exploring questions relevant to dental knowledge and clinical practice rather than quantitative methods alone [ 2 ]. It refers to a set of methodological approaches to interpret and understand social phenomena by exploring the subjects’ experience, behaviours, perspectives and characteristics within their natural setting. The form of realization can be interviews, fieldnotes, conversations, recordings, photographs and memos [ 3 ]. Thus, the data obtained in qualitative research are usually via text, audio or visual [ 4 ]. Although qualitative research has experienced a rise in the dental area, mostly in dental public health [ 5 ], both the awareness and understanding of qualitative research are still relatively limited among dental researchers. To help dental professionals who desire qualitative research and want to conduct a constructive and methodologically rigorous qualitative study, this paper provides an overview and suggestions for dental researchers in conducting a qualitative study.

2. Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Unlike quantitative research that aims to establish generalizable facts under controlled experimental settings, qualitative research primarily aims to provide a deeper, contextualized understanding of social phenomena through intensive studies of particular cases under natural settings [ 6 ]. The qualitative research domains are compared with quantitative research in Table 1 . Nevertheless, qualitative research should not be regarded as the opposite of quantitative research. Because of the differences in research nature, they address different research aspects based on the research problem [ 1 ].

Domains of quantitative research and qualitative research (Adapted from Ritchie et al., 2003; Masood et al., 2010; Bower et al., 2007 [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]).

3. Conducting a Qualitative Research

Qualitative research typically has been used to explore unanticipated issues and involves an element of unknown [ 7 ]. Qualitative studies’ central tenants are interpreting the meaning people attached to their experience and studying people in their natural settings. Different researchers have different beliefs of the social reality and philosophical traditions behind qualitative research. Moreover, researchers themselves’ position within the study context and their relationship with study participants can be varied along with the study’s purposes changing over the course of the research. These fundamentals of qualitative research have decided there is no single standard way of conducting it [ 3 ]. Figure 1 is a research cycle for conducting qualitative studies. Iterative designing and continuous reviewing are essential for effective qualitative research. Detailed information for each step will be explained in further context.

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Object name is ijerph-18-00942-g001.jpg

Research cycle of qualitative studies (Adapted from Ritchie et al., 2003; Hennink et al., 2020 [ 3 , 8 ]).

The starting point is usually the researchers’ intention to explore a social phenomenon, which will then be broken down into specific research questions or objectives. The conceptual design period involves tasks such as choosing the data collection method; selecting research populations, samples and sites; and choosing the data analysis method. After obtaining ethical approval, the study logically moves from conceptual design period to its field application period. Field application comprises core elements including participant recruitment, research instrument design and data collection. Through systematically analysing the collected data and making explanatory interpretations, the findings can be generalised [ 8 ]. The relationships among these three periods are iterative, each should inform and be informed by the other two. Qualitative research provides the flexibility to compare the inductive findings with the original conceptual design to discern the contribution and make refinements. Therefore, researchers are recommended to leave enough time for reflection so they can address emerging issues throughout the qualitative research process [ 3 ].

Since there is a lack of a gold standard in conducting qualitative research, it is vital to ensure the quality and rigor of the research. Several Appraisal frameworks have been generated to assess the quality of qualitative research [ 9 ]. One of the frameworks in appraising qualitative research in healthcare systems is the “Quality in Qualitative Evaluation: A framework for assessing research evidence”, produced by Spencer and collogues on behalf of the UK cabinet office [ 10 ]. This framework contains four guiding principles and 18 appraisal questions to assist quality assessment. These frameworks should be applied flexibly and avoid being over-prescriptive to achieve an informed judgement on qualitative research [ 5 ].

3.1. Identify the Research Topic and Define the Research Questions

A clearly identified research topic is essential for a qualitative study. There are several pathways to identifying a research topic. Usually, the starting point is the researcher’s interests or hunches from under-explored areas within their professional field. Researchers can also take inspiration from their daily life activities or the population who has a direct experience on the issue, which is the so-called “user involvement” [ 11 ]. Another way of identifying a research topic is called commissioned research, which refers to those studies of which the commissioners (i.e., stakeholders, funder) identifies the initial ideas.

The initial research topic will be narrowed down to more specific and detailed research questions/objectives through reviewing existing theory and literature. For qualitative research, the research questions should be open-ended, evolving and non-directional, which often includes one central question and several sub-questions. Each defined central question can have a series of “sub-questions” following them. The sub-questions fall under the umbrella of the central research questions, but indicate any clarifications and parameters of the research. Defining clear and relevant research questions are essential for qualitative research since the data collection method and the steps that follow it all depend upon the research topic and questions [ 12 ]. Qualitative research also provides the facility of refining research questions during the data collection and analysis process.

3.2. Sampling Method

By contrast with statistical probability sampling in quantitative research, purposive sampling is the most robust sampling method in qualitative research. Units are chosen on purpose to reflect their particular characteristics relevant to the study topic [ 13 ]. Meanwhile, qualitative sampling is intended to cover all of the subject matter’s relevant key parameters and possess enough diversity within each criterion to allow in-depth exploration. The sample size in qualitative research is relatively small, which is determined by theoretical saturation [ 14 ]. This means the sampling will stop at the point when increasing the sample size would no longer contribute to new evidence. This scale of sample size facilitates the detailed exploration of each sample and maximizes the usefulness of the data collected [ 9 ].

The first step of purposive sampling is to decide the study population and the sample frame. The study population in qualitative research usually involves people at some stages, but it is also possible to include records, images and documents [ 15 ]. The next step is to set purposive selection criteria and prioritize them based on the research topic and questions. Since the context is already known, it is also necessary to decide the study’s locations to make it more salient to participants. Finally, it is helpful to design a sample matrix with the purpose of setting quotas for final participant selection. The process of drawing a sample matrix is basically mapping out previously determined selection criteria (vertically and horizontally) and assigning appropriate numbers of units in each yielded cell [ 3 ].

3.3. Data Collection

In-depth interviews, focus groups and observations are the most commonly used methods for data collection in qualitative research. The choice of different methods depends on a number of issues, such as the research topic, study population, the nature of data and practical issues such as accessibility, social context and the sensitivity of the subject matter [ 3 ]. A comparison of three data collection methods is displayed in Table 2 . The different steps in conducting three data collection methods are displayed in Table 3 .

Data collection by in-depth interview, focus group and observation (Adapted from Ritchie et al., 2003; Masood et al., 2010; Bower et al., 2007 [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]).

Steps in conducting in-depth interview, focus group and observation (Adapted from Ritchie et al., 2003 [ 3 ]).

3.3.1. In-Depth Interview

The in-depth interview, one of the core qualitative research methods, is the most frequently used and well-established qualitative data collection method in healthcare settings [ 1 ]. Different from the well-structured interviews in quantitative research, in-depth interviews are usually semi-structured with several pre-planned open-ended questions and follow progress-based probing questions [ 16 ]. The power of an in-depth interview is allowing the research topic to be explored from a participants’ perspectives in depth and detail [ 17 ].

There is no single standard way of conducting in-depth interview, but it usually contains six steps [ 3 ]. Before an interview starts, it is best to establish an initial rapport with the interviewee. Informed consent should be obtained after introducing the scope of the research and ethical principles. It is also helpful to emphasize for the interviewee that there is no standard correct answer for each question. Therefore, they can be more relaxing and honest to express. Collecting contextual background information at the beginning of the interview is necessary for reference and to set the tone. The sequencing of asking questions during the interview should be from easy to difficult, from mapping to probing. Leading questions should be avoided [ 18 ]. The interviewer should stay in an empathic but neutral stance when pursuing the breadth and depth of the coverage topic. At the end of the interview, please thank the participants and check whether they want to add something that was not covered in the interview. Audiotapes and audio-video tapes are the most common ways to record data. Sometimes it is also valuable to take “fieldnotes” about observations and ideas during the interview to help with the later data analysis [ 19 ].

3.3.2. Focus Group

The focus group is also a mainstream qualitative research method in the form of a group discussion on a particular research topic. This group discussion can be naturally occurring or composed by recruited participants [ 4 ]. A facilitator (usually the researcher) will be included in the discussion to moderate and monitor the process [ 20 ]. A focus group is suitable to use when capturing information generated through group interaction or when displaying a social context is needed. A focus group encourages participants to interact with each other within the collective context. This interactive dynamic process can trigger new ideas from the participants and encourage a deeper discussion of the research topic. The discussion group works synergistically to extract information from a series of issues in a relatively short time [ 21 ]. Another feature of the focus group is its spontaneity. It provides a more naturalistic setting to stimulate the progress of the ideas exchanged.

There are usually six steps in conducting a focus group discussion [ 3 ]. Before the first step, researchers need to decide on the group’s size and the members’ diversity. As the participants arrive, the facilitator can firstly welcome them for coming and then outline the scope of this discussion. It is also necessary to indicate the ground rules such as participants can step in to express themselves at any time, and that opinions are not right or wrong. Each participant’s individual introduction serves the purpose of building an initial rapport among them and provides background information for analysis. It is best for the opening topic to be neutral and general to prompt the discussion. During the main body of the discussion, the facilitator needs to maintain a balance between free-flowing discussion and covering all research relevant issues. To avoid an abrupt finish, the facilitator can signal in advance about the discussion beginning to close [ 3 ]. It is helpful to inform the participants about the data management method after the discussion.

3.3.3. Observation

The observational method is particularly suitable in following several situations where data is not entirely accessible through other methods: (a) discrepancies exist between what people do and what they say [ 1 ]; (b) naturally occurring and unconscious behaviours and (c) complex interactions involving an environment or physical context.

There are usually six steps in conducting an observation. Firstly, there is a range of issues to consider when selecting the research fields and gaining access to them [ 1 , 4 ]: (a) salient features relevant to the research topic, (b) observer and participants’ familiarization with sites, (c) the participants’ basic characters, (d) the time and frequency of observation, and (e) different priories according to different gatekeepers. The next step is to identify the participants. Before the observation period commences, it is vital to complete the background information such as the time, venue, observer, etc. During the observation, data recording can be in the form of fieldnotes, diagrams or visual records. Since it is difficult to record every detail because observation is ongoing, some researchers will choose to jot down their fieldnotes first. It is essential to establish an explicit indexing and logging system to manage these raw materials [ 3 ]. Before closing the observation, it is worthwhile recording any appeared sign for further activities. Due to the flexibility of the observation study design, the exact steps of an observation will vary depending on the research questions. Post-observation notes can be generated from the observer’s or participants’ perceptions. It is also worth noting that the researcher should not immerse themselves too much in the setting, which is called “going native.” “Going native” can cause a severe consequence in that they can prevent the research objectives being discerned [ 9 ].

3.4. Data Analysis

Qualitative research usually yields a large amount of data to analyse since the collected raw data only provides a description [ 4 ]. Interpreting and explaining data require the researcher to be able to do systematic searching and diligent detection. Data analysis often starts during or immediately after the data collection method to identify new themes for further investigation and sometimes also to refine the research questions [ 22 ]. Unlike quantitative research where statistical analyses are often used, qualitative research deals with enormous non-numerical data. That requires the researcher to employ a clear coding and indexing system in addressing the overall research questions. There are also computer-assisted qualitative data analysis (CAQDAS) packages that can help to organize, code and sort large amount of data [ 23 ].

Broadly speaking, there are two approaches to qualitative data analysis [ 24 ]: the deductive approach (framework analysis) and inductive approach (thematic analysis). Researchers need to choose a suitable data analysis method based on their research questions and the nature of their data. The deductive approach typically has been used in studies in which the researcher already had a predetermined framework to analyse the data. In comparison, the inductive approach derives the thematic framework from actual collected data rather than the predetermined framework. Thematic analysis is the most commonly used method in dental qualitative research [ 25 ]. The formal analysis process ( Figure 2 ) consists of two main stages and 10 key steps [ 3 ].

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
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Formal data analysis process of qualitative research (Adapted from Ritchie et al., 2003 [ 3 ]).

In the data management stage, familiarization requires researchers to have an overview of the relevant content and topics within the data. To achieve this, researchers can conduct open coding on the transcripts by labelling detected phrases and making notes in the margins of transcripts [ 22 ]. An initial thematic framework can be constructed by listing, reducing and grouping previously detected topics into a set of themes and subthemes. Then the initial thematic framework can be used to index and sort all of the data obtained. Reviewing the data extracts facilitates refining the initial thematic framework. Generating a final thematic framework is a cyclical working process. Researchers are recommended to summarise and display their data extracts in a set of matrices. After data management, researchers need to tease out what will be the final findings by developing categories of extracted data, mapping the linkage within defined categories and explaining the particular way of linking [ 3 ].

3.5. Reporting Qualitative Research

Composing a qualitative research paper is similar to quantitative research: both consist of a title, an abstract, an introduction, objectives, methods, findings and discussion. The difference is that a qualitative research paper will be less regimented than quantitative research. Unlike quantitative research that provides hypotheses before testing, the hypotheses in qualitative research are generated through inductive reasoning based on the data collected [ 16 ]. The participants’ profiles will be detailed in the method section, along with the overview of the interview/discussion guide. The data analysis method is also stated with the underlying theoretical perspectives [ 23 ].

Decisions about how to report and discuss qualitative research findings should be guided by methodological positions underpinning the research topic [ 3 ]. The reporting format can be comprehensive, a summary, developmental or selective. No matter which format is chosen to report the findings, key challenges include how to structure the findings logically, map the coverage and diversity, appropriately display the illustrative material and combine qualitative findings with quantitative results. There are broadly two ways for writing the results and discussion parts of a qualitative research paper [ 26 ], namely (i) reporting key findings under each theme, followed by a separate discussion, and (ii) combining key findings and discussion into one section. When displaying the key findings, different levels of coding and how the information extracted led to the accounts should be described [ 23 ]. Depending on the types of data collected, different uses of illustrative material can be chosen, such as quotations, summaries, sections of researchers’ observational notes and photos.

3.6. Ethical Consideration in Qualitative Research

The interactive and flexible nature of qualitative research will inevitably increase the occurrence of ethical dilemmas. Consideration of possible ethical issues and the solutions to address them should start from early stages of study design [ 27 ]. For example, the data collection should be based on informed consent; the participants should be given the assurance of confidentiality and anonymity; the undue intrusion should be avoided with proportionate probing and exploration, etc. Researchers need to think from the perspective of their participants and establish a good rapport with them to conduct a high-quality qualitative research [ 3 ].

4. Functions of Qualitative Research in Dentistry

Compared with quantitative research, qualitative research can probe underlying values, beliefs and attitudes. In recent years, qualitative research has become popular in dentistry because it reveals insights that cannot be captured by quantitative research. The insights may be about the relationships between professional groups (i.e., dentists and dental teams) or between dental personnel and care receivers. To explore these social interactions, long-term observations and in-depth interviews can enhance the findings’ quality [ 28 ]. Qualitative research can offer insights into one’s lived experience as well (i.e., treatment experience). To achieve a higher level of understanding, researchers need to deeply focus on the meaning that participants attached to their experiences [ 27 ]. Besides, qualitative research is appropriate when investigating attitudes towards new policy, management or practices. The systematic watching and listening of participants in their natural setting can provide researchers useful information or different perspectives. There are four potential functions of qualitative research in dentistry: contextual, explanatory, evaluative and generative. These four functions are neither exhaustive nor mutually exclusive in that they can be used during different stages of the dental research process with different purposes. Table 4 displays some examples of dental research that contribute to each of these functions.

Examples of qualitative studies with contextual, explanatory, evaluative and generative functions.

4.1. Contextual

Contextual qualitative research is valuable in providing information about the form and nature of existing phenomena [ 3 ]. This kind of qualitative research allows the study population to describe how they perceive and understand the research topic in their own terms. Therefore, differing perspectives with specific details of social phenomena can be unpacked and explored [ 41 ]. Contextual qualitative research can provide descriptive and exploratory evidence in different ways, including defining the dimensions within a phenomenon, describing the features of the phenomenon, exploring the meaning that participants attached to the phenomenon and mapping the typologies. For example, the oral health beliefs among the Bulang ethnic minority group in China or how residents in rural Quebec perceive their oral health may not be easily revealed in epidemiological surveys, but can be explored in qualitative studies [ 29 , 31 ].

4.2. Explanatory

Given the facility to probe underlying values and beliefs, explanatory qualitative research can seek out the factors or influences that drive the occurrence of a specific phenomenon or associations between social phenomena [ 3 ]. It is also effective in identifying the motivations for people’s actions, which may indicate some explanatory or causal links between people’s thinking and decisions. Moreover, explanatory qualitative research can explore the context in which the phenomena occur, for example, it could investigate children’s quality of life in the context of living with cleft lip and palate [ 36 ]. Explanatory research can provide evidence in identifying the critical influences and in generating a higher level of understanding than contextual qualitative research.

4.3. Evaluative

Evaluative qualitative research is more concerned with issues related to policy making or organizational investigation. In dentistry, this kind of qualitative study is particularly adept at evaluating the performance of healthcare programs, services, products or interventions. Qualitative research can provide evidence on both the process (factors that shape a programme or service) and the outcomes (different types of effects or consequences). From this definition, it is possible to classify evaluation modes into formative evaluations and summative evaluation [ 42 ]. Formative evaluations seek the information to improve the programme, including the programme’s details, the dynamics of how things operate within the programme, theories underpinning the programme, the target population’s requirements and factors contributing to the programme’s successful delivery. In comparison, summative evaluations emphasize the different impacts of the programme including the effects of taking part in the programme and the influence of contexts in which interventions are provided on the programme’s effectiveness [ 3 ].

4.4. Generative

Generative qualitative research is useful for developing and generating new theories, concepts and hypotheses. It can also be effective in generating new strategies or solutions to persistent problems [ 1 ]. Knowledge generation is a collaborative process involving all participants with their own experiences and understanding. Thus, the key features of qualitative research allow the original and creative thoughts to be raised from the natural settings. The theories or strategies developed through this approach can have more benefits for those populations involved in the research, and the outcome will also have a more comprehensive application [ 43 ].

5. Conclusions

Qualitative research can provide depth and detail, create openness, simulate people’s individual experiences and attempt to avoid pre-judgements. Dental researchers need to ensure that qualitative studies are constructive and methodologically rigorous to maintain the clarity of data analysis. Effective qualitative research allows a greater spontaneity of views the participants raise and possesses the ability to continue probing for more nuanced information. Qualitative research possesses its own potential functions in serving different stages of the dental research process.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization: E.C.M.L. and C.H.C.; Resources: H.H.C., S.S.G. and C.H.C.; Writing—Original draft preparation: H.H.C., S.S.G. and C.H.C.; Writing—Review and editing: K.J.C., D.D. and E.C.M.L.; Supervision: E.C.M.L. and C.H.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

This review received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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This capstone project is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to apply their knowledge of concepts and skills through an individually designed project.  Students will execute the project through the development and implementation of a patient treatment plan that culminates in a final paper and presentation on the specific "Periodontal Type II" or greater case identified. 

Keys to Finding Research

Some Basics of Searching for Research:

1.) In any search bar start with the whole of your research topic. For example: If the topic of the paper is "Periodontal Attachment Loss in Diabetic Patients" and you only search "Attachment Loss," you will get articles and information that do not apply to the topic.  Start with the whole topic and see what comes up.  

2.) Refining the results:

        2a.) TOO MUCH - If you are getting too many articles, try putting quotes around key search terms "Attachment Loss" "Diabetic Patients."  This will limit the search to articles where those terms appear beside each other in context.

        2b.) NOT ENOUGH- Break down the topic into variations . "Diabetes and Dental Care," "Attachment Loss in Dental Care," "Periodontal Care and Diabetes"  

3.) Don't stop at the required number of sources!   Although the requirement says you need three additional resources, always find a few more than required.  Just because you have them, doesn't mean you have to use them.  It is better to have choices when writing a paper than trying to force a paper from limited options.

4.) READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE (Or at the very least 1st Paragraph, a Middle Paragraph, and the Last paragraph)!!!  Your search engine may pull up an article that has your search terms in the article, but that does not always mean the article actually speaks to your topic.  Be sure that the entirety of the source supports your topic, not just a single sentence.

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  • Kansas State Library Quick Link Click on "Online Resources" Scroll down to the "Health" collection to find recommended databases. To Expand click "View All" at the bottom of the list

-For general knowledge of conditions or disorders the "Gale Health Reference Collection" is recommended for starting your research. 

-For research studies, journal articles, and similar academic based materials on your topics go to "Health Source Academic & Nursing;"  " ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health;" or "Medline" 

-For some topics these databases will be of value: "Alternative HealthWatch;"  "Consumer Health Complete;" "Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection"

-Remember to only use FULL-TEXT articles.  Never use "Abstracts" as primary research.   

The following databases also provide various articles that may be helpful in your research process.  Remember to consider only FULL-TEXT articles available, the date the article was published , and whether it is research- opinion- or promotion based information before using. Not all articles will be available for free through these databases.  In many cases, just like with Google Searches, you will be able to access the abstract but not a full-text article.  However, if you get the name of an article you are interested in- you might search it in the databases listed above- it might be available.

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  • Cochrane Library The key to this site is accessing the "free" articles provided. For those articles that are free- some are full-text, but not all. Be sure to check carefully that the articles meet criteria for academic research use.
  • Dentistry Today This publication offers searchable article archives and the majority meet the requirements for use in academic research writing. However, there are a few "ad" based articles to watch for.
  • PennWell RDH Magazine Again, this site offers a searchable archive of articles from the publication. Most will be usable, but there are "ad" based and "opinion" based articles included.

Q: What does "Scholarly Article" or "Peer-Reviewed Article" Mean?

Coulter, P. (2016). Richard G. Trefry library: American public University System. Libanswers. http://apus.libanswers.com/faq/44354

"Scholarly" and "peer reviewed" are often used synonymously, but they are not necessarily the same thing.   Peer reviewed articles are always scholarly, but not all scholarly sources are peer reviewed.   It may seem confusing, but it makes more sense if you  think of "scholarly" as an umbrella term for several different kinds of authoritative, credible sources .  These include :

  • Peer reviewed journals .  These journals primarily exist to publish the  research  findings of experts in a field. The articles that you see in these journals have been closely scrutinized by a panel of reviewers (also experts in the same field) before they are published.    
  • Trade or professional journals or magazines .  The articles in these periodicals are also written by and for experts, but there is no peer review.  The articles aren't limited to research...they may be news, best practice tips or opinion pieces. 
  • Government Publications  Many government agencies publish books, reports, data or statistics.  Government researchers, like those who publish in peer reviewed or trade journals, are often experts in their field.
  • Books.    Many researchers publish books or book chapters.  

How can you tell if an article is scholarly?   You will have to do some detective-work, but there are some telltale signs:

  • Author(s) : Ideally, you should rely on information that has been published by an expert,  someone who has studied the topic long and hard.    Most scholarly publications will list an author's credentials (their degrees -- M.S., Ph.D., Ed.D., etc. -  and the institution that they work for) along with his or her name.
  • Content:   Look for articles that cover a topic in detail (more than just a few pages long, typically).   It will probably include some kind of literature review, and discuss the work of other authors, in addition to any original research findings.  Make sure it  cites its sources   (a scholarly article will  always  have a "references," "bibliography" or "works cited" list). 
  • Audience:   Scholarly articles are written for professionals in the field.  You will probably notice a lot of technical language and/or discipline-specific jargon.  The tone will be formal.
  • Publisher.   Visit the journal's website to see what organization publishes it.  Professional associations, universities and government agencies are particularly good signs.  As you become more experienced, you'll also start to recognize major publishing companies in your field of study (Wiley, Elsevier, Sage, etc.).
  • Purpose and scope.   When you're on the journal's website, look for an "about" link to learn who the intended audience is and what kind of articles are accepted.
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Dentistry and dental technology research papers/topics, prevalence and factors associated with pneumonia among under-fives attending kiryandongo general hospital.

ABSTRACT Pneumonia is still a major contributor of morbidity and mortality, especially among the underfives of sub-Saharan Africa. This, occurring in the backdrop of global reports of prevalence decrease between 2000 and 2015 of more than 22%, is cause for concern. There has to be factors that can be attributed to this non-uniform fall in prevalence especially in Uganda, and Kiryandongo where shockingly, data on the subject matter is minimal, if not totally non-existent. The study set out to ...

Dental Service Utilization by Seropositive Adults at Community Health Aids Initiative Clinic in Kampala International University-Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District

Table of contentsDECLARATION...................................................................................................................... IAPPROVAL ............................................................................................................................IIDEDICATION.......................................................................................................................IIIACKNOWLEDGEMENT......................................................................

Assessment of Different Breastfeeding Practices and Nutritional status Of Children Below The Age Of Five Years In Sheema District, Uganda

TABLE OF CONTENTSDECLARATION ........................................................................................................... IAPPROVAL ................................................................................................................. IIDEDICATION.............................................................................................................IIIACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...........................................................................................IVLIS...

Factors Contributing to Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children Under Five in Nkondo, Buyende District

Abstract A cross sectional descriptive transverse study was carried out in Nkondo sub-county, Buyende district from February 2014 up to November 2014 aimed at assessing factors contributing to severe acute malnutrition in the under fives in the area so as to develop strategies of improving the welfare health conditions of children. Severe acute Malnutrition in Uganda affects a large number of children under 5 years and remains a major public health problem in the country and Nkondo sub-count...

Determination of Family Planning utilization among women of reproductive age, Bududa District, Uganda

ABSTRACT The study investigated into determinations of family planning utilization among women of reproductive age between 15 – 49year in Bududa district in Eastern Uganda. Five objectives and six research questions were used to guide the study. The researcher carried out a retrospective descriptive study. Review or study of the available records was used in the collection of the data for the period between April 2011–May 2013.The study was aimed at documenting information on family plann...

Prevalance And Risk Factors Of Urinary Tract Infections Among Pregnant Mothers Attending Antenatal Care At Kampala International University Teaching Hosipital

Background: Urinary tract infections represent the most common bacterial infection in pregnancy. Screening for and treatment of UTI in pregnancy has become a standard of obstetric care and most antenatal guidelines include routine screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalance and risk factors of Urinary Tract Infections among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care at Kampala International University -Teaching Hospital. Materials and me...

Analysis On Survival Rate Of Premature And Critically Sick New-Born Babies Admitted At Windhoek Central Hospital (Wch), Namibia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Prematurity is the major cause of neonatal death world-wide, Namibia included. In Namibia, the neonatal mortality has increased dramatically from 19 deaths per 1000 live births in 2000 to 30 deaths per 1000 live birth in 2014. Objectives: To determine the survival rate of premature and critically sick new-born babies and assess the risk factors associated with death of these babies (premature babies – are babies born before 37 weeks of gestation, counting from the fi...

Perception of dental student and recent graduates of a Nigeria dental school on the Quality of undergraduate training Received

Oral hygiene practices of dental house officers and residents in teaching hospital in lagos nigeria, oro-facial lesions and cd4 counts associated with hlvlalds in an adult population in oyo state, nigeria, assessment of current oral health knowledge attitude and oral hygiene practices among 12-year old school children and patients attending the dental facility at vezo hospital.

Aim: This pilot study aimed to evaluate oral health knowledge, perceptions and oral hygiene practices among 12- year old children from the local school of Andavadoaka and patients visiting the dental facility at Vezo Hospital, Andavadoaka, Madagascar. Materials and Methods: Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of 18 close-ended questions. The study population consisted of 12-year old schoolchildren from three sixth-grade classes (total n=70), and dental patients of all ages ...

Longevity of conventional GIC versus compomers in primary teeth [October 14, 2018]

Search result: Four clinical studies concerning restorations were found. Clinical outcomes: The results indicate no difference in the success rate between both types of material if high-viscosity GIC was compared against Compomers. [‘Preliminary Systematic Literature Searches’ are based on SYSTEM’s periodic systematic searches of the dental literature and provide first overviews over existing clinical evidence but are limited in the number of databases searched, as well as the assessme...

Survival rate of ART restorations with high-viscosity GIC versus conventional RM-GIC [October 13, 2018]

Search result: Only two clinical studies concerning restorations were found. Clinical outcomes: The results indicate no difference in the survival rate after 12 and 24 months. [‘Preliminary Systematic Literature Searches’ are based on SYSTEM’s periodic systematic searches of the dental literature and provide first overviews over existing clinical evidence but are limited in the number of databases searched, as well as the assessment of precision and internal validity of results and thu...

Retention of conventional GIC versus RM-GIC restorations [October 13, 2018]

Search result: There is still a lack of studies to this topic and only two clinical studies concerning restorations were found. Clinical outcomes: The results indicate no difference in the retention rate after 12 and 42 months in Class V and Class II restorations, respectively. [‘Preliminary Systematic Literature Searches’ are based on SYSTEM’s periodic systematic searches of the dental literature and provide first overviews over existing clinical evidence but are limited in the number...

The current evidence for caries prevention and treatment in xeriostomic patients [October 11, 2018]

Search result: Ten controlled clinical studies relevant to the topic were found. Clinical outcomes: The results indicate: -               GIC/RM-GIC have higher caries-preventive effects than composite/amalgam in cases were no additional fluoride was provided to patients have been shown; -               Topical fluoride is indicated as caries-preventive; -               Mineral containing supplements, with and without casein appear to be at least as...

Dentistry is a branch of medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, commonly in the dentition but also the oral mucosa, and of adjacent and related structures and tissues, particularly in the maxillofacial (jaw and facial) area. Dental technology is the technical side of dentistry.  Afribary provides list of academic papers and project topics in Dentistry and Dental Technology. You can browse Dentistry and Dental Technology project topics, Dentistry and Dental Technology thesis topics, Dentistry and Dental Technology dissertation topics, Dentistry and Dental Technology seminar topics, Dentistry and Dental Technology essays/papers, Dentistry and Dental Technology text books and lesson notes in Dentistry and Dental Technology field.

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    Unveiling motives for dentistry studies: psychometric validation of a comprehensive questionnaire among aspiring dental students. Jorge Moncayo-Rizzo. Geovanny Alvarado-Villa. Susana Patricia ...

  4. Oral Health Topics

    Featured oral health topics. Antibiotic prophylaxis. Infection control and sterilization. Treating Acute Dental Pain. Occupational Safety. Pregnancy. Whitening. The ADA Library & Archives also provides dental and oral health research and resources for members. Definitions, explanations and information about various oral health terms and dental ...

  5. Student Research Projects

    Project goal: Collect data at Harlem United using a questionnaire and perform statistical analysis. Students: Cheryn Amo-Adjei. Colleen Brophy. Jonathan Lomboy. Mentor: Dr. Burton Edelstein. Project title: Implementation of Dental Coverage in Affordable Care Act State-Facilitated Marketplaces. Research question: What decisions were made by each ...

  6. Home Page: The Journal of the American Dental Association

    Introduced in 1913, The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the nation's premier dental journal-a reliable, peer-reviewed source of information on dentistry and dental science. Its mission is to improve health by advancing science and clinical dentistry. JADA is published in 12 issues annually. Each monthly issue of JADA is available in print, with a circulation of over ...

  7. Journal of Dental Research: Sage Journals

    Journal of Dental Research (JDR) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to the dissemination of new knowledge and information, encompassing all areas of clinical research in the dental, oral and craniofacial sciences. Average time from submission to first decision: 17 days View full journal description

  8. The Top 100 Most Cited Articles Published in Dentistry: 2020 Update

    Of the top 100 articles, 26% focused on periodontology (Feijoo et al., periodontology: 43%), while 17% of the total were published in the Journal of Dental Research (Feijoo et al., Journal of Clinical Periodontology: 20%). Most of the publications were narrative reviews/expert opinion (36%), (Feijoo et al., case series: 22%), and were within ...

  9. Frontiers in Dental Medicine

    An interdisciplinary journal that investigates how dental, oral and craniofacial health and diseases are understood in the context of the whole body. ... Research Topics. Submission open Contemporary Advances and Future Directions in Peri-Implantitis Treatment. Jérôme Frédéric Lasserre; Catherine Giannopoulou; Selena Toma; 139 views ...

  10. Oral Health for All

    Over the past 20 years, per-person dental care costs have increased by 30% in the United States; in 2018, Americans paid $55 billion in out-of-pocket dental expenses, which constituted more than ...

  11. Journal of Dentistry

    The Journal of Dentistry is the leading international dental journal within the field of Restorative Dentistry.Placing an emphasis on publishing novel and high-quality research papers, the Journal aims to influence the practice of dentistry at clinician, research, industry and policy-maker level on an international basis. Topics covered include the management of dental disease, periodontology ...

  12. The picture of undergraduate dental basic research education: a scoping

    For topics in the field of medicine, human sciences, or other professionals, students needed to discuss the contribution of their research findings to dental practice [19, 23], which may promote interdisciplinary research. In terms of specific disciplines, in clinical departments, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontology, and restorative ...

  13. Which dental research topics are relevant to patients?

    The least popular topic related to the use of interdental cleaning aids. In patients <40, selection of toothpaste was the most popular topic. Only responders <30 listed the timing of wisdom teeth ...

  14. Hot Topics in Clinical Oral Implants Research: Recent Trends in

    As the first paper in this special issue, the following review aims to provide the background to recent trends and "hot topics" in advanced and minimally invasive oral implant treatment . The concept of osseointegration of oral implants was introduced by Branemark 40 years ago and set the precedent for new knowledge in oral medicine.

  15. Qualitative research in dentistry

    Qualitative research in dentistry This paper is the first in a series of four that provides an overview of the key elements of qualitative research. In particular, it discusses issues such as what ...

  16. Journal of Dental Hygiene

    About the Journal of Dental Hygiene. The Journal of Dental Hygiene is the premier, peer-reviewed scientific research publication for dental hygienists. In each issue, ADHA members will find articles that help them stay up to date on the latest research and make evidence-based treatment decisions. To learn more about the journal, click here.

  17. Dental Research Themes

    Dental Research Themes. Our many valued members of staff, partners and collaborators support the desire to transform health systems and healthcare delivery, reduce the costs of those systems, and improve the lives of individuals and communities locally and globally. The Melbourne Dental School's research themes include;

  18. Dental public health

    Effectiveness of nanosilver fluoride in arresting dental caries in children with one- year follow-up - a systematic review. Pooja J. Shetty. Prasanna Mithra. Ambili Nanukuttan. Research 14 Mar ...

  19. Recent research trends in dentistry

    The trends in dental research worldwide are looked at, in particular, a comparison between the publication status in two countries, namely India and Australia. The current themes in dental research are also discussed to facilitate future projects for the aspiring pediatric dentists. Stress is given to the importance of evidence-based dentistry ...

  20. A Concise Review on Qualitative Research in Dentistry

    Identify the Research Topic and Define the Research Questions. ... Composing a qualitative research paper is similar to quantitative research: both consist of a title, an abstract, an introduction, objectives, methods, findings and discussion. ... Table 4 displays some examples of dental research that contribute to each of these functions. Table 4.

  21. Hygiene Capstone Project

    In any search bar start with the whole of your research topic. For example: If the topic of the paper is "Periodontal Attachment Loss in Diabetic Patients" and you only search "Attachment Loss," you will get articles and information that do not apply to the topic. Start with the whole topic and see what comes up. 2.) Refining the results: 2a.)

  22. Orthodontics

    SDF-1 involvement in orthodontic tooth movement after tooth extraction. Duangtawan Rintanalert. Yuji Ishida. Takashi Ono. Research Open Access 29 Feb 2024 Scientific Reports. Volume: 14, P: 5048.

  23. Dentistry And Dental Technology Research Papers/Topics

    14. ». 1 - 15 Of 199 Results. Browse through books in Dentistry And Dental Technology. Access and download complete Dentistry And Dental Technology books, Dentistry And Dental Technology text books, book reviews etc. Book reviews in Dentistry And Dental Technology - Page 1.