Evidence-based dentistry resources for dental practitioners

The American Dental Association has taken an active role in support of an evidence-based approach to the practice of dentistry. This concept integrates clinically relevant scientific evidence into a clinician's decision-making process, along with the patient's oral and medical history, the dentist's own expertise and the patient's treatment needs and preferences. The purpose of this article is to assist dentists in locating and retrieving quality research reports and research evidence which can be integrated into the clinical decision making process. The research methodologies which constitute the foundation of evidence-based dentistry are described. The advantages and disadvantages associated with literature that summarizes research, such as the literature review, the systematic review and meta-analysis are described. Evidence-based resources for dentists are described, such as journals specializing in an evidence-based approach, online resources such as PubMed and the Cochrane Collaboration.