The Role of Evidence to Inform Decisions in Practice. Why Bother with Evidence-Based Dentistry?

The Role of Evidence to Inform Decisions in Practice. Why Bother with Evidence-Based Dentistry? is organized by Dentaltown, L.L.C.

Released: 3/3/2021
Expiration Date: 6/30/2025

Overview:
This course aims to describe and illustrate the importance of evidence-based dental practice (EBDP). In the first part, the course explains why evidence is important when making decisions, what is evidence in general terms, and what is evidence in the context of dental practice. Then, the course presents, describes, and explains the rationale for the 3 principles of EBDP: optimal clinical decision-making requires awareness of the best available evidence, there is a need to judge whether the evidence is more or less trustworthy, and evidence alone is never sufficient to make a decision. While going through these principles, the course describes the concepts of hierarchy of evidence and limitations within levels of evidence, the importance of systematic reviews, and the role of patient’s values and preferences and clinicians’ experience when practicing EBDP. Finally, the course explains how to interpret the results from studies, and provides tips on how to avoid being misled by study authors.

Educational Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to achieve the following:
• To understand the importance of evidence to inform decision-making
• To be familiar with the principles of evidence-based dental practice
• To be familiar with the key factors to consider when using evidence to inform decision-making
• To understand the difference between statistical significance and clinical importance
• To understand the importance of critically appraising the evidence

1.8 CE Credits