• School of Dentistry
• Oral Health Unit
• Network research
  • Research networking
  • Building networks

Building networks

Approaches

• General practitioner led
  This involves starting from scratch with an interested group of primary care dentists, developing a project with them as part of an educational programme. The advantage of this approach is that it provides a large number of dentists with knowledge about research and some experience of research. The disadvantage is that the research projects developed may not be relevant to the needs of the PCTs. Also, this approach will not produce the high quality research needed to improve the evidence base for dentistry at the pace required by the PCTs. It is reliant on academics to provide a significant input and it may be unattractive to university academics as the initial research produced may not be of publishable quality.
• Cooperative approach
  This approach requires a partnership between PCT managers, academics and one or two potential GDP research leaders. The research needs of the local NHS are decided and prioritised by this small group and the work of a network is directed, systematically to delivering this research. This approach ensures that relevant research is undertaken, and importantly, high quality research can be delivered in shorter timescales. This approach recognises that only a small number of GDPs will become research active, and concentrates skills at a relatively high level in a small number of individuals. The downside is that this approach could alienate GDPs. There is no reason, other than resource implications, why both approaches could be developed in the same area.

Developing a trial network

• There is a well-established, successful MRC/DH funded primary care trials network, involving over 1000 GP practices
• Developing a network to deliver randomised control trials in primary care is essential if the evidence base of dentistry is to be expanded
• There are specific problems to be overcome if a trials network is to be developed in dentistry, particularly as GDPs are largely delivering surgical rather than pharmacological interventions
• The requirements of dentists to rigorously adhere to a research protocol means that a trials network needs to be considered in isolation from more general primary care research networks. The OHU intends to build research capacity in primary care by piloting a small trials network
• A multidisciplinary network can provide the appropriate skills, influence and access to patients, which are necessary to deliver high quality research in primary dental care
• The OHU will test out methods of developing networks and share experiences with colleagues. In addition, practical support and advice will be given to colleagues who want to build local research delivery networks
• The OHU will also test the application of these different models and provide templates, supporting documentation, including an educational framework, for each. In addition ad hoc advice and support will be provided to the network leaders