DCPs and research in general dental practice.

The application of evidence-based practice (EBP) requires a competent understanding of the best available research. There is increasing acknowledgement that some of this evidence also needs to be generated at the practice level. Currently, research activity in general dental practices is not well embedded. Dental care professionals (DCPs) play an important role in a dental team and present a good way for dental practices to become engaged in research. This experiential article highlights potential opportunities and benefits of DCP research activity to the dental practice.