Clinical decision support chairside tools for evidence-based dental practice

Area of Science:

• Dental Informatics
• Clinical Decision Support Systems
• Evidence-Based Dentistry

Background:

• Implementing Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD) in clinical practice is crucial.
• Chairside tools are needed to bridge the gap between evidence and patient care.
• Existing EBD implementation strategies often lack patient-centered approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support (EB-CDS) tools for chairside use.
• To demonstrate how EB-CDS tools facilitate clinical decision-making and knowledge transfer.
• To present the Assess-Advise-Decide Approach for patient-centered care.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of chairside EB-CDS tools.
• Integration of risk factors and available evidence within the tools.
• Utilizing the Assess-Advise-Decide Approach for patient engagement.

Main Results:

• EB-CDS tools effectively organize evidence and risk factors for clinical decision-making.
• Tools facilitate rapid and effective knowledge transfer to patients at the point of care.
• Specific guides for gingival recession, root exposure, caries, sealants, decay prevention, and topical fluoride are discussed.

Conclusions:

• EB-CDS tools are valuable for implementing Evidence-Based Dentistry.
• The Assess-Advise-Decide Approach empowers patients in decision-making aligned with their values.
• Chairside EB-CDS tools enhance both clinical practice and patient understanding.