Nationwide survey on barriers for dental research in India

OBJECTIVE: Research in the dental field is progressing at mightier speed worldwide, but an unfortunately representation of India at this platform is negligible. The present study was undertaken to unearth the barriers for dental research among dental professionals in Indian scenario. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on 1514 participant's (Master of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Dental Surgery staff) and postgraduates in 40 dental colleges of India selected by multistage random sampling. The response rate was 75.7%. The survey was undertaken from July 2013 to December 2013. The survey instrument was 24-item, investigator developed, self-structured, close-ended, and self-administered questionnaire grouped into four categories that are, institutional/departmental support related barriers, financial/training support related barriers, time-related barriers, and general barriers. RESULTS: Among all respondents 47.23% informed that they are administrative and educational work rather than research work as (P < 0.001). Overall 57.53% of study participants reported lack of administrative and technical support for research work as (P < 0.001). Overall 64.9% reported meager college funding was the barrier (P < 0.001). Overall 61.5% respondents reported lack of time to do research work due to clinical and teaching responsibilities (P < 0.001) was the barrier for research. Largely 80.25% agreed that, the lack of documentation and record maintenance are an obvious barrier for research (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Present study unearths certain barriers for research in an Indian scenario, which includes administrative overburden, lack of funds, and lack of documentation of the dental data. Governing authorities of dentistry in India have to make major interventions to make research non-intensive environment to research-friendly environment.