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Applying evidence based dentistry to your patients.
1Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. jim.anderson@utoronto.ca
Dental Clinics of North America
|January 12, 2002
Summary
Evidence-based dentistry requires clinical judgment for effective application. Clinicians must critically evaluate literature to ensure patient safety and maintain skills in daily practice.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) is a cornerstone of modern clinical practice.
- However, the direct application of literature findings often requires nuanced interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the essential role of clinical judgment in evidence-based dentistry.
- To emphasize that EBD is not a rigid adherence to literature but involves critical evaluation.
Main Methods:
- This article presents a conceptual discussion on the integration of clinical judgment within EBD.
- It analyzes the importance of evaluating specific factors in the literature.
Main Results:
- Clinical judgment is crucial for assessing the relevance and strength of evidence.
- Applying judgment prevents the misuse of weak or inappropriate evidence in patient care.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must use judgment to effectively implement evidence-based dentistry.
- This approach safeguards patients, protects clinicians, and enhances decision-making confidence and skill maintenance.