Evidence-based decision making in dental hygiene education, practice, and research

Area of Science:

• Dental Hygiene
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Contemporary dental hygiene faces challenges including practice variations and difficulties in staying current with scientific literature.
• National organizations recommend an evidence-based approach to address these challenges in healthcare professions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight key aspects of a 1999 white paper on Evidence-Based Decision Making (EBDM) for the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA).
• To discuss the necessity of EBDM, its support for contemporary dental hygiene education and practice, and strategies for integration.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of biomedical literature, evidence-based resources, and clinical guidelines.
• Analysis and synthesis of identified models, required skills, and implementation challenges for EBDM.
• Development of a model for initiating evidence-based dental hygiene practice.

Main Results:

• Literature strongly supports the need for EBDM in dental hygiene.
• Consistency observed in EBDM methodology, levels of evidence, and required skills.
• EBDM implementation necessitates redesigning educational programs, conducting targeted research, and improving dissemination of findings.

Conclusions:

• EBDM is recommended to address challenges in dental hygiene practice, education, and research.
• A proposed model and strategies aim to engage clinicians, educators, and researchers in EBDM.
• Training in EBDM concepts and skills, national leadership, and improved access to information are vital for successful integration.