A Primer on the Application of Qualitative Research in Dentistry

Dental research being predominantly quantitative in nature is opening up to the arena of qualitative research. The requisite for deeper understanding of oral health disparities and the establishment of the role of social determinants of oral health has fueled this change. Methods used include in-depth interviews, focus groups, and observations to understand patient experiences, beliefs, and attitudes, providing a holistic view beyond numbers. The approach is especially valuable in understanding the complex social phenomena within dental settings, helping to improve policy and patient care. The goal is to gain in-depth, contextual understanding of social interactions and experiences related to oral health that cannot be captured through quantitative studies. This paper focuses on the overview of steps in qualitative research and how this type of research can be applied in dental specialty.