25 Questions

Since this is a class to prepare and propose a research topic, I have been thinking about what I could focus on. My study will most likely involve data that I gather through conversing with local people, rather than data I gather through opening their mouth. My research can involve anything dental related, but in order to be effective I need to narrow down what I will be asking. Some thoughts that might be beneficial to understanding the dental condition in India: 

Have you ever been to the dentist?

What was your reason for going to the dentist? Pain? Check up?

Have you ever had your teeth cleaned?

Have you ever had work done on your teeth aside from a normal cleaning?

How often do you brush your teeth?

How often do you floss?

Do you use any alternatives to these two preferred ways of cleaning?

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss or even if you don't do either?

Do you ever have pain in your mouth?

Is it a constant pain or throbbing?

How do you deal with the pain?

Can you afford to attend the dentist?

What prevents you from going to a dentist?

Do other members of your family go to the dentist?

These are more general questions that I can answer as I uncover research about the above topics.

What is the perception of dental hygiene among families?

What is the perception of dental hygiene among kids and teenagers vs adults?

Is there an understanding of health benefits for proper hygiene?

Are dentists available in urban/rural development?

Does the upper class get preferred treatment?

Is the upper class the only group that attends a dental clinic on a regular basis?

What kind of availability is there for oral hygiene products?

If given the items to properly care for oral hygiene, would the population properly take care of their oral health?

Are there alternative forms of dental hygiene among the people?

Do dentists provide charity to those in the community that cannot afford dental care?

Does the upper class care more for dental hygiene since they have they can afford it?

What is the sociological view of those who prioritize dental care?

This is just the foundation for what will eventually turn into my research paper, but I am excited to prepare more for it. This is going to be a great journey.