Interviews and focus groups are the most common methods of data collection in qualitative healthcare research. Interviews allow researchers to explore individual participants' views, experiences, beliefs, and motivations, while focus groups use group dynamics to generate qualitative data. This paper explores these two methods in detail, including how they work in practice, when they are appropriate, and what they can offer dentistry. Examples of empirical studies that have used interviews or focus groups are also provided. There are three types of interviews: structured, semi-structured, and unstructured. Structured interviews are the most rigid, with predetermined questions, while unstructured interviews are more flexible and allow for open-ended discussion. Semi-structured interviews provide a balance, with key questions that guide the discussion but allow for flexibility. Semi-structured interviews are often used in healthcare research, as they allow for the discovery of important information that may not have been previously considered. The purpose of research interviews is to explore individuals' views, experiences, beliefs, and motivations on specific topics. They are particularly useful when little is known about the study topic or when detailed insights are required from individual participants. They are also appropriate for exploring sensitive topics where participants may not want to discuss issues in a group setting. Focus groups are group discussions on a particular topic, organized for research purposes. They are useful for generating information on collective views and the meanings behind them. Focus groups are often used in healthcare research to explore group norms, meanings, and processes. However, they are not suitable for generating numerical data, as they provide depth and insight but not quantitative results. Both interviews and focus groups require careful planning, including the design of the interview schedule, the selection of participants, and the conduct of the discussion. Interviews should be conducted in a private, comfortable setting, with the interviewer familiarizing themselves with the interview schedule. Focus groups require a skilled moderator who can guide the discussion without bias, ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to contribute. The analysis of qualitative data is crucial, and the analysis of focus group data is different from other qualitative data due to their interactive nature. The context of other speakers is essential to the understanding of individual contributions. Focus groups are increasingly used in dental research, on a diverse range of topics, to explore patient experiences, dental services, and the dental profession. They are particularly useful for accessing populations that are difficult to reach through quantitative methods.Interviews and focus groups are the most common methods of data collection in qualitative healthcare research. Interviews allow researchers to explore individual participants' views, experiences, beliefs, and motivations, while focus groups use group dynamics to generate qualitative data. This paper explores these two methods in detail, including how they work in practice, when they are appropriate, and what they can offer dentistry. Examples of empirical studies that have used interviews or focus groups are also provided. There are three types of interviews: structured, semi-structured, and unstructured. Structured interviews are the most rigid, with predetermined questions, while unstructured interviews are more flexible and allow for open-ended discussion. Semi-structured interviews provide a balance, with key questions that guide the discussion but allow for flexibility. Semi-structured interviews are often used in healthcare research, as they allow for the discovery of important information that may not have been previously considered. The purpose of research interviews is to explore individuals' views, experiences, beliefs, and motivations on specific topics. They are particularly useful when little is known about the study topic or when detailed insights are required from individual participants. They are also appropriate for exploring sensitive topics where participants may not want to discuss issues in a group setting. Focus groups are group discussions on a particular topic, organized for research purposes. They are useful for generating information on collective views and the meanings behind them. Focus groups are often used in healthcare research to explore group norms, meanings, and processes. However, they are not suitable for generating numerical data, as they provide depth and insight but not quantitative results. Both interviews and focus groups require careful planning, including the design of the interview schedule, the selection of participants, and the conduct of the discussion. Interviews should be conducted in a private, comfortable setting, with the interviewer familiarizing themselves with the interview schedule. Focus groups require a skilled moderator who can guide the discussion without bias, ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to contribute. The analysis of qualitative data is crucial, and the analysis of focus group data is different from other qualitative data due to their interactive nature. The context of other speakers is essential to the understanding of individual contributions. Focus groups are increasingly used in dental research, on a diverse range of topics, to explore patient experiences, dental services, and the dental profession. They are particularly useful for accessing populations that are difficult to reach through quantitative methods.