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Kiriakou et al. Progress in Orthodontics 2014, 15:58
http://www.progressinorthodontics.com/content/15/1/58
REVIEW Open Access
Developing evidence-based dentistry skills: how to interpret randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews
Juliana Kiriakou1, Nikolaos Pandis2, Phoebus Madianos3 and Argy Polychronopoulou1*
Abstract
Decision-making based on reliable evidence is more likely to lead to effective and efficient treatments. Evidence-based dentistry was developed, similarly to evidence-based medicine, to help clinicians apply current and valid research findings into their own clinical practice. Interpreting and appraising the literature is fundamental and involves the development of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) skills. Systematic reviews (SRs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered to be evidence of the highest level in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Furthermore, the assessment of the report of a RCT, as well as a SR, can lead to an estimation of how the study was designed and conducted.
Keywords: Randomized controlled trials; Systematic reviews; Critical appraisal; Evidence-based dentistry
Review
Introduction
We live in the age of information, innovation, and change.
The number of published studies in the dental literature increases dramatically every year. Clinicians are required to base their decisions on the best available research evidence by critically appraising and incorporating sound scientific evidence into everyday clinical practice [1]. The clinicians' difficulty of staying current can be facilitated by integrating basic skills of evidence-based dentistry (EBD), such as the ability to identify and critically appraise evidence, into everyday practice [2].
Defining evidence-based dentistry
The practice of evidence-based dentistry consists in dentists critically applying relevant research findings to the care of patients [3]. The American Dental Association (A.D.A.) defines evidence-based dentistry as an approach to oral health care that requires the judicious integration of systematic assessments of clinically relevant scientific evidence, relating to the patient's oral and medical condition and history, with the dentist's clinical expertise and the patient's treatment needs and preferences. Evidence-based
dentistry is based on three important domains: the best available scientific evidence, dentist's clinical skills and judgment, and patient's needs and preferences. Only when all three are given due consideration in individual patient care is EBD actually being practiced [4].
Why is evidence-based dentistry important?
Practicing evidence-based dentistry reassures the quality improvement of health-care delivery by incorporating effective practices, while eliminating those that are ineffective or inappropriate [5]. The main advantage...