Welcome to BDJ Team's first themed issue of 2021: the DCP research issue.Earlier this year I contacted DCP tutors in higher education across the country, inviting their students to submit their research. I had a particularly strong response from third year students at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and am thrilled to present their work on topics such as the role of turmeric in gingival health; silver diamine fluoride versus restoration in paediatric dentistry; and approaches to aiding dental fear in child patients. I believe all of these UHI graduates are now out working as dental therapists and would like to wish them all the very best!

Linda Douglas has been a dental hygienist for almost 40 years - she is also a writer and speaker - and is about to commence studies for a Master's degree in education, psychology and health science. Linda offered to write for this special issue by considering the value of dental hygienists conducting research in their practice. Linda writes: 'Most hygienists underestimate their abilities regarding [the role of researcher], when in fact they are far more capable than they realise'. Two case studies are featured in her article: Alison Brown who undertook a research study looking at patient awareness of self-checking for oral cancer; and Margaret Flynn who aims to motivate behaviour change in patient care.

I was also really pleased that the author of a BDJ article on DCPs and research in general dental practice published four years ago offered to rewrite and update his paper for our themed issue. The result is Research and the general dental practice team, which includes insights from DCP members of the author's team on their involvement with research undertaken in-practice and how it has affected their outlook.

Could involvement with research be something you would like to pursue in your career as a DCP? Reading this themed issue could be a good starting point to inspire you. Equally, if you would like to submit work based on research you have been involved with, please drop me an email.

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Kate Quinlan

Editor

k.quinlan@nature.com