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Evidence-based dentistry and clinical implementation by third-year dental students
Sorin T Teich1, Catherine A Demko, Lisa A Lang
1Department of Comprehensive Care, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 2124 Cornell Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106;. Sorin@case.edu.
Journal of Dental Education
|October 8, 2013
Summary
Third-year dental students struggle to apply evidence-based dentistry (EBD) principles in treatment planning, often neglecting literature searches. Curricular integration and simplified search methods are proposed to improve EBD application.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Evidence-Based Dentistry
Background:
- Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is standard medical care, integrating clinical expertise with best evidence.
- Patient needs and preferences are integral to EBM.
- Dental education faces challenges with limited research on treatment outcomes and persistent dogmas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess how third-year dental students select literature for treatment planning evidence.
- To evaluate the application of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) knowledge acquired in earlier years.
Main Methods:
- Survey of third-year dental students at a U.S. dental school regarding literature selection for treatment planning.
- Analysis of EBD knowledge retention and application.
Main Results:
- First-year EBD course knowledge was not effectively applied by third-year students.
- A significant portion of students found literature use unhelpful for clinical aspects.
- Students lacked proficiency in using appropriate tools for accessing best evidence.
Conclusions:
- EBD principles need integration throughout the dental curriculum.
- A simplified evidence search method is recommended to overcome barriers to EBD adoption.
- Improved EBD training can enhance clinical decision-making in dentistry.
