Evidence-based Dentistry
Encyclopedia
Evidence-based Dentistry is the concept of using current evidence to guide decision-making was first introduced by Gordon Guyatt and the Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group at McMaster University
in Ontario, Canada in the 1990s. A new paradigm for medical education designed to incorporate current research into education and practice was developed to help practitioners provide the best care for their patients.
The term evidence-based medicine
(EBM)is defined as "the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values."
The new paradigm of EBM utilizes a systematic process to incorporate current research into practice. The evidence-based process requires the development of five key skills:
The American Dental Association
(ADA) applied the evidence-based paradigm to dentistry by developing a Policy on Evidence-Based Dentistry. In this policy statement, the ADA defines evidence-based dentistry as follows:
Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) is an approach to oral health care that requires the judicious integration of systematic assessments of clinically relevant scientific evidence, relating to the patient's oral and medical condition and history, with the dentist's clinical expertise and the patient's treatment needs and preferences.
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) has incorporated the definition of evidence-based dentistry into core competencies required by dental education programs. These competencies focus on graduates to become lifelong learners and consumers of current research findings and require students to develop skills that are reflective of evidence-based dentistry.
The learning curve for using the evidence-based process is often steep. However, there are continuing education courses, workbooks and tools that are available to simplify the integration of current research into practice.
McMaster University
McMaster University is a public research university whose main campus is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The main campus is located on of land in the residential neighbourhood of Westdale, adjacent to Hamilton's Royal Botanical Gardens...
in Ontario, Canada in the 1990s. A new paradigm for medical education designed to incorporate current research into education and practice was developed to help practitioners provide the best care for their patients.
The term evidence-based medicine
Evidence-based medicine
Evidence-based medicine or evidence-based practice aims to apply the best available evidence gained from the scientific method to clinical decision making. It seeks to assess the strength of evidence of the risks and benefits of treatments and diagnostic tests...
(EBM)is defined as "the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values."
The new paradigm of EBM utilizes a systematic process to incorporate current research into practice. The evidence-based process requires the development of five key skills:
- Formulate information needs/questions into four part questions. These questions identify the patient/problem (P), intervention (I), comparison (C), and outcomes (O) also known as PICO questions.
- Conduct an efficient computerized search of the literature for the appropriate type and level of evidence.
- Critically appraise the evidence for validity with an understanding of research methods.
- Apply the results of the evidence to patient care or practice in consideration for the patient's preferences, values and circumstances.
- Evaluate the process and your performance through self-evaluation.
The American Dental Association
American Dental Association
The American Dental Association is an American professional association established in 1859 which has more than 155,000 members. Based in Chicago, the ADA is the world's largest and oldest national dental association and promotes good oral health to the public while representing the dental...
(ADA) applied the evidence-based paradigm to dentistry by developing a Policy on Evidence-Based Dentistry. In this policy statement, the ADA defines evidence-based dentistry as follows:
Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) is an approach to oral health care that requires the judicious integration of systematic assessments of clinically relevant scientific evidence, relating to the patient's oral and medical condition and history, with the dentist's clinical expertise and the patient's treatment needs and preferences.
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) has incorporated the definition of evidence-based dentistry into core competencies required by dental education programs. These competencies focus on graduates to become lifelong learners and consumers of current research findings and require students to develop skills that are reflective of evidence-based dentistry.
The learning curve for using the evidence-based process is often steep. However, there are continuing education courses, workbooks and tools that are available to simplify the integration of current research into practice.