WELCOME

General Practice is where most dental treatment is carried out. It's therefore appropriate to undertake research within general practice. As the major provider of dental treatment, general practitioners are more aware of the problems encountered and can identify the questions to be answered in clinical dentistry. Practising dentists should be at the heart of dental research.

It has been recognised that there is a need to conduct more research in practice and this is why BRIDGE was set up.

OUR AIMS are:
To encourage and support dentists to develop and lead their own research projects.

To enable dentists to improve their understanding and appreciation of research methods.

To work with groups of practitioners who want to participate in practice-based research.

"Why would I want to do research? What would I get out of it?"

Unfortunately, the rewards of research can rarely be put directly into your bank account. However, most practitioners who have become involved have gained a renewed enthusiasm for their career. The patients of our group of dentists have been impressed by the fact that their dentists are active in research, and this brings more respect, esteem, and perhaps more of the right sort of clients! See the comments from our dentists.....go to people

"I'd like to do research, but I don't have the skills."

"Research" can vary from the simple and straightforward up to the most complex and obscure. The relevance and importance does not increase with the degree of complexity, however. All dentists now have to undertake clinical audit, and worthwhile research can be simply developed from a good clinical audit project. All academic dentists produce simple research papers initially with the help and guidance of more experienced colleagues. Practising dentists do not have this support nor the resources; BRIDGE does, and will provide them.

"Research would take up too much time and money."

It is true that research can be very time-consuming, and can entail paying for services, consumables and equipment. One of the main contributions that the academic members of the group make is to use the facilities of the Birmingham Dental School and their experience to save time and to take on much of the necessary preparatory work (literature searches, writing-up papers). Although time away from patients means no earnings, the intellectual stimulation, and taking a break from the daily routine can bring more job satisfaction.
Obtaining funding from companies, organisations and grant-awarding bodies can pay for research. This is another area where the Dental School members will assist, as they are generally familiar with such sources and in the most effective ways of applying for funding. In addition, funding bodies are generally more inclined to give money to researchers with a proven track record of successful research.
We all have to accrue verifiable C.P.D., and BRIDGE meetings will contribute to attendees verifiable continuing professional development and qualify for postgraduate education allowance, which gives some repayment for attendance.

"I don't live near Birmingham."

Our meetings provide an important focus, and reinforce the group's identity. They are also social occasions providing the chance to meet other similar practitioners informally. But with the many electronic communication channels available to us, this should not be a barrier to being a part of this group nor of making use of what it can provide for you. We are very keen to have more people take part from wherever you are.

"I wouldn't be able to commit to regular meetings."

BRIDGE can be what you want it to be. Attend all meetings or attend none. Be involved with projects or just watch. Lead projects or just provide information. The group will flourish if we have active members, but above all we want to stimulate curiosity and interest in practice-based research.