A focus group study: overview of the methodology.

The intent of this paper is to present an overview of focus group research methodology. The purpose of the exploratory and qualitative focus study was to investigate the status of dental hygiene as a profession. Information was gathered from four self-facilitating focus groups: first year dental hygiene students comprised the first group and the other three focus groups were comprised of practising dental hygienists. Criteria for defining a profession was established by the first focus group; further discussion from the other three focus groups was categorized, and if needed, a new category was designated.