USE OF EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE BY DENTISTS

The aim: To investigate how dentists use evidence-based medicine in clinical practice. Objectives: to determine how dentists understand the role of evidence-based medicine to ensure the quality of dental care; what sources of evidence are used; what are the barriers to the use of evidence and the possibility of removing it.

Materials and methods: Methods of semi-structured in-depth interview, thematic analysis, graphic, generalization were used. Materials: records of respondents' answers.

Results: Dentists have identified the benefits of evidence: a positive treatment outcome; protection against doctor's mistakes; safety of dental interventions, maintaining the level of professional knowledge. Dentists use online evidence resources, training materials, advertising of medical devices and filling materials. Barriers to the use of evidence-based medicine are the lack of sectoral clinical protocols, lack of personal time and low English proficiency, according to dentists. Not all evidence-based medicines and medical devices are approved for use in Ukraine. Removing barriers will ensure more active use of evidence in dental practice.

Conclusions: Dentists are aware of the role of evidence-based medicine in ensuring the quality of dental care, know the sources of evidence. Barriers are the lack of national clinical protocols, their incomplete provision of resources, the lack of dentists' own time and the low level of English language proficiency. The results of the study can be used in the formation of sectoral and local policies for the standardization of health care and continuing education of dentists.