This letters was published in the journal Tuith Online in November 2003

Lothian General Dental Practitioners Research Group


Background

In 1999 three general dental practitioners from Lothian, Ario Santini, John Gall, and Terry Simpson, attended the first Scottish Evidence-Based Health Care course at St. Andrews run by Professor Sullivan's team. At the course these practitioners were impressed with the efforts of TAYREN and the commitment of dentists in the group to undertake research in practice. The three were determined to emulate the efforts of the TAYREN dentists and invited four more dentists to join the group. Several principles underpinned the group's efforts-

  1. GDPs should be proactive in identifying areas of research need.
  2. The topics should be largely, but not solely, related to general dental practice.
  3. GDPs in the group should be prepared to undertake further education to improve their knowledge of research methodology.
  4. The group should gain experience in grant applications and actively seek recognition of the need for financial support. GDPs need substantial financial support for this type of activity.
  5. The group should be prepared to recruit other dentists and health care professionals as required.

The group unsuccessfully bid to the CSO for funding of its first project and struggled to get funding. Much of the early work relied on the considerable experience in research of Ario and Duncan Robertson. After a further period the group underwent further changes and now consists of just three practitioners - Elaine Downie, Yann Maidment, and Terry Simpson. Furthermore, the group has received great encouragement from Professor Richard Ibbetson and Dr. Chris Deery at Edinburgh Dental Institute. Since the summer of 2002, all the members of the group have part-time research appointments at the University of Edinburgh. This allows the group access to a wide range of support including statistical analysis. Regular meetings between the five discuss ideas and plan the development of projects.

Current Projects

This has already led to some success in recent times with Elaine's project - "A Randomised Trial of Plantain for Dry Socket in General Dental Practice" - winning the Faculty of General Dental Practitioner's annual research award for 2003. This trial is currently nearing completion and should be published next year. Terry is principal investigator in the Cochrane systematic review - "Treatment of Periodontal Disease for Glycaemic Control in People with Diabetes." This review involves working with Dr. Ian Needleman and Dr. Moles from the Eastman Dental Institute, supplying periodontal and statistical support respectively. Dr Sarah Wild - a trained medical epidemiologist, with a special interest in diabetes has supplied the medical expertise. This review should be published in the Cochrane Library next year.

Educational goals

For general practitioners to be able to produce high quality research they need to have an understanding of the methodological and ethical issues. Each member of the group has pursued further education commensurate with that aim. Yann has recently completed his doctorate. Terry has just finished a master's course in evidence-based health care at Oxford University and received a bursary to cover fees for the second and third year of the course from NHS Education Scotland. Elaine is currently enrolled on the implants masters course through Warwick University and undertaking the first year of study.

Future projects

Current areas under consideration for future projects are decision analysis for crown prescription, comparative study of sensitive cementum and effectiveness of root treatment in general practice.

20th November 2003