Since October, I have been to quite a few events to spread the word about our brilliant new website, and make people aware of just why it is so important for practitioners and DCPs to have their say when it comes to dental research.

Some of you I will have met at the BDTA Showcase in Birmingham this month, whilst others I have met at local BDA Branch events where I twisted your arm to get involved.

One thing I have learnt along the way is that as soon as you say the words "dental research", you are quite likely to see eyes glazing over and an impatient shuffling of the feet. I know only too well by the look on their face that the poor person I have trapped in conversation is wishing they had a pair of Homer Simpson style fake glasses to allow them to safely fall asleep without me noticing and taking offence.

For those poor people I have ensnared along the way, I would just like to say that this website isn't just for those who are interested in carrying out dental research funded by us (although you academics out there are very welcome). This website is primarily for those grass-roots dentists and DCPs in practice that come up against issues on a daily basis which currently there is no conclusive answer to.

We need as many of you as possible to log-on and add your questions -only then will we be able to fund research that is completely relevant to those in practice.