The integration of clinical research into dental therapeutics: making treatment decisions

Clinicians make informed therapeutic decisions in part by assimilating evidence that forms the basis for generally accepted clinical knowledge. Similar to professional training for the practice of dentistry, this requires knowledge of the quality of the evidence and its translation to clinical practice.

Evidence-based treatment decisions rely on the ability to understand the differences between clinical practice and clinical research, to critically evaluate the quality of evidence that supports a generally accepted clinical practice, understanding what contributes to the perception of clinical success, and how to select the most appropriate therapy for use in clinical practice.

Therapeutic decision making is highly dependent on the quality of evidence that is considered when making a judgment and applying it to patient care. Criteria for evaluating clinical research and the findings evolve over time, necessitating periodic review of the foundations on which therapeutic decisions are based.