Abstract
Background:
Selection of a sampling frame is a key component of conducting survey-based research. This article discusses the use of a national register, the Dental Register, as a sampling frame from the perspective of an early career researcher.
Methods:
While conducting a survey-based study of a nationally representative sample of general dentists in Ireland, I documented the difficulties I encountered while using a national register. As a research assistant and novice researcher, I recorded the advantages and disadvantages I discovered over the course of the project and its impact on the study.
Conclusion:
While using a national register has advantages such as a readily available sample of the target population, there are also inherent disadvantages depending on the manner in which records are recorded.
Knowledge Transfer Statement:
This article can be used as an informative guide to researchers in selecting a sampling frame, with particular emphasis on the use of a national register in selecting a nationally representative sample of dentists.
Keywords
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