The evidence on emerging issues: providing patient care in the absence of evidence

This article addresses the application of evidence-based methods for diagnosis of dental pain. Patients in pain may seek diagnosis and treatment options through Internet sources but incomplete information and lack of context are barriers to patient understanding. Dentists face similar challenges, especially when there is no strong evidence. Diagnostic error may also be precipitated by clinician overconfidence. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of evidence and placing evidence in context are crucial skills for dentists practicing within the evidence-based paradigm.