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Integrating Evidence-Based Practice Into Oral Health Clinical Practice: Students' Perspectives.
Grace Wong1, Maryam Monatzerolghaem1, Tania Gerzina1
1School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.
The Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice
|March 31, 2019
Summary
Undergraduate oral health students strongly believe evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for clinical decisions and are confident in its application. Integrating EBP into the curriculum is supported, though implementation requires attention.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health Education
- Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
Background:
- Evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential for informed clinical decisions in oral health care.
- Integrating EBP into undergraduate curricula is vital for the evolving profession.
- The Bachelor of Oral Health program at the University of Sydney (BOH Sydney) aims to incorporate EBP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate undergraduate oral health students' perspectives on integrating EBP into clinical practice.
- To assess students' understanding, confidence, and perceived value of EBP.
Main Methods:
- A structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale was administered.
- The survey focused on knowledge, evidence access, critical appraisal confidence, and clinical application.
- Sixty-two (97%) undergraduate oral health students participated.
Main Results:
- All students agreed EBP influences clinical decisions.
- Over 90% believe EBP should be integral to clinical practice.
- Eighty percent reported confidence in EBP application, with a positive correlation between teaching and confidence.
Conclusions:
- Clinical educators play a key role in guiding students in EBP.
- The study supports EBP integration into clinical practice.
- Some implementation challenges were identified in this study.