A proposed model for a collaborative approach to dental hygiene research

Abstract

As dental hygiene responds to the increased need for quality oral health services, dental hygienists seek quality research findings on which to base their practice decisions. However, the amount of research published by dental hygienists, and addressing dental hygiene interventions, remains limited. There are few dental hygienists in Canada working in positions that have time dedicated to research activities. To increase the amount of dental hygiene research, innovative approaches such as collaborative research must be considered. This paper considers measures that facilitate the conduct of collaborative research, and discusses challenges to the process that should be considered during the design. An example of a group investigation is presented, involving dental hygiene educators who collaborated on a research project implemented within their respective educational institutions. A model for a collaborative approach to future research initiatives is proposed. Lessons learned are shared and recommendations are put forward. It is suggested that innovative collaborations such as this may help to increase the body of knowledge for dental hygiene in Canada.

Health Research Collaborations by Academic Entities: A Systematic Review

“…Of the 18,642 records captured by our search strategy, 59 studies met the inclusion criteria. 12–70 The main reason for excluding articles was that the collaboration was not for the purpose of research. For example, some frameworks described collaboration for purposes of capacity building or sharing data and biobanks.…”

“…The majority (n = 55) reported a case study describing a specific collaborative health research project involving an academic entity. 12–51,53,54,57–66,68–70 These studies typically described the steps involved in collaboration as well as the lessons learned.…”

“…Whereas some authors focused on describing the framework of their research collaboration, others explored the success factors of their collaborative experience. 12,17,19,21,22,25,27–30,34,35,42,45,50,65 Steinke et al 65 emphasized the importance of clearly assigning roles, tasks, and time frames. McCorkle et al 50 emphasized the importance of a well-defined and active infrastructure that can support a collaborative effort.…”

Nursing research

“…[4][5][6] Collaborating agencies must identify what they wish to gain from their relationship and what they can contribute. 2,[4][5][6]8 Moreover, collaborative research between clinical agencies and educational institutions is critical for sharing knowledge between clinicians and nurse researchers, leading to evidence-based care that results in the best possible patient outcomes. When self-interest is openly discussed, trust is established and partners can help meet the needs of one another.…”

An argument for dental hygiene to develop as a discipline

“…A priority needs to be placed on development of a large number of dental hygienist researchers. Two models have been put forward in the literature proposing collaboration among novice and more experienced researchers to aid in building capacity in dental hygienist researchers (36, 37). Both the CDHA and the ADHA have recent Dental Hygiene Research Agendas for their respective national professional organizations; the next step is to begin a concerted programme of supporting implementation of these research projects and ensuring the theoretical or conceptual frameworks are consistent with dental hygiene's perspective.…”