Le français suit / French follows
By Melody Choi
Dr. Pascaline Kengne Talla and Dr. Noha Gomaa—co-leads of the KM theme within the National Oral Health Research Strategy (NOHRS)—share how their professional journeys, commitment to equity, and collaborative leadership are helping bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact. With a focus on inclusive, community-informed approaches, their insights highlight how KM is not just a strategic priority but a guiding principle shaping the future of oral health research in Canada.
- Can you share your professional background and how it led to your co-leadership of the NOHRS Knowledge Mobilization theme?
Dr. Kengne Talla:
I am a board-trained dentist with a background in public health and in knowledge mobilisation (KM). I also completed a post-doc in KM and digital health. As an assistant professor at the faculty of dental medicine and oral health sciences at McGill University, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, my research program focusses on improving care access for marginalized communities with a strong commitment to improving equitable access to care. For several years, I served as a knowledge broker in the healthcare system. Throughout my education, I noticed a significant gap between healthcare practice and scientific evidence. This awareness led me to focus on KM and implementation science (IS), areas that continue to shape my research today. I use critical implementation science frameworks to explore research gaps and the outcomes of innovations in dentistry. A key aspect of my work is engaging diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, patients, citizens, decision-makers and representatives of diverse communities to ensure that my research is both relevant and impactful. Getting involved with KM and IS through the National Oral Health Research Strategy (NOHRS) was a natural step for me.
Dr. Gomaa:
I am an assistant professor at Western University and a scientist at the Children’s Health Institute in London, Ontario. My research examines clinical and policy interventions aimed at improving oral health outcomes and addressing related chronic diseases, with a particular focus on the life-course approach. This means I explore how interventions can optimize oral health in both early childhood and late adulthood. I have a particular interest in KM, collaborating with provincial dental regulators and policymakers on issues like oral healthcare access, workforce challenges, and professionalism in dentistry. My involvement with the National Oral Health Research Strategy stems from a genuine belief in the need to unify the oral health community in Canada and establish a clear research agenda. This aligns with global initiatives, such as the Global Oral Health Action Plan, and Canadian efforts like the Canadian Dental Care Plan, both of which emphasize the importance of a structured oral health research roadmap.
- Knowledge Mobilization is both a standalone theme in NOHRS and a guiding principle that ties into other sections of the strategy. Could you speak to the importance of Knowledge Mobilization in these contexts, and how it has shaped the strategy document as a whole?
Dr. Kengne Talla:
To me, the process of developing the theme of KM was, in itself, a perfect example of KM in action. This participative process provided an opportunity to bring together diverse groups for collaboration, allowing different perspectives and areas of expertise to shape the strategy. At its core, KM is about improving the adoption of innovations and ensuring that knowledge has a tangible impact on society. This is why KM is woven through all the priorities in the strategy. While researchers in dentistry are skilled at sharing results, KM offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the broader application of research and to think critically about who can benefit from it, ultimately ensuring that our work makes a meaningful societal impact.
Dr. Gomaa:
When we began incorporating KM and IS into NOHRS, there was discussion about whether KM should be a standalone focus or integrated throughout other strategic priorities. This reflects how cross-cutting KM and IS truly are, as they apply to all areas of the strategy. KM is about bridging the gap between knowledge and its implementation, ensuring that innovations are applied in a timely manner. Additionally, in writing the strategy, we wanted to guarantee that emerging scientists are well-equipped with the knowledge of KM and that it’s integrated into their education at every level.
- How did you approach integrating inclusivity and equity into the strategic theme of Knowledge Mobilization?
Dr. Kengne Talla:
Inclusivity and equity were fundamental values for our working group, particularly as we adopted a co-design process. We actively engaged in discussions about inclusivity and equity, forming a diverse working group with individuals from varied demographic backgrounds. This diversity enriched our understanding and approach to KM and IS. By starting with open conversations about the group’s understanding of these concepts, we ensured that everyone’s contributions were valued.
Dr. Gomaa:
One key step in integrating inclusivity and equity into our work was CIHR-IMHA’s organization of a patient-oriented session early in the process. This session allowed us to gain valuable insights into how patient partners could be involved throughout the research process and how they might benefit from the results. This confirmed that the strategic priority was inclusive of perspectives beyond our own, making the KM strategy more reflective of the broader community’s needs.
- With respect to NOHRS, how can Knowledge Mobilization reduce inequities in oral health for people living in Canada?
Dr. Kengne Talla:
Engaging in a co-design process with communities to identify shared priorities is a critical first step toward advancing equity in dentistry. Afterward, we collaborate to develop solutions and disseminate the information broadly, beyond academia. We ensure that our messaging is accessible to diverse groups by considering their literacy levels and using various channels, such as community organizations and patient partner groups. Engaging with key stakeholders like patient partners and policymakers is essential to make sure that we understand their needs fully.
Dr. Gomaa:
KM can reduce oral health inequities by bringing evidence of these disparities directly to policymakers and other knowledge users. By engaging patient partners in our research and ensuring that policymakers are involved, we can better address oral health inequities. KM helps to bridge this gap. Moving forward, as both Pascaline and I are part of the NOHRS implementation group, we continue to emphasize the importance of these voices in the implementation phase. The process doesn’t end with the document; it’s crucial to keep engaging these stakeholders throughout the entire lifecycle of the strategy.
- What advice would you give to other researchers who are looking to implement Knowledge Mobilization in their own work?
Dr. Kengne Talla:
The most innovative way to share research results depends on context, objectives, and the target audience. My advice is to start early in your project with a clear intention and goal to improve your KM approach. Involve the people who will benefit from your research, develop objectives with them, and ensure ongoing communication are critical. It is extremely important to create opportunities for continuous involvement, and encourage the whole research team to engage in patient engagement training modules.
Dr. Gomaa:
An integrated and systematic approach is essential when implementing KM into a project. Follow a framework for knowledge mobilization to ensure your efforts are organized and effective. This structured approach helps to guide the process and ensure that knowledge is mobilized in an impactful way.
- What personal insights have you gained through this experience, and how might they shape your future endeavours?
Dr. Kengne Talla:
This experience has been invaluable in expanding my network and reinforcing my passion for inclusive practices. I’ve learned a great deal about leadership, particularly in a team with diverse skillsets.
Dr. Gomaa:
I’ve learned that effective leadership is crucial for galvanizing the oral health research community and ensuring that they feel ownership of NOHRS. The sense of community around this initiative is overwhelming, and I’ve come to appreciate how powerful effective collaboration can be in achieving shared goals.