Medigy: Evidence-Based Dentistry

Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) is an approach to oral healthcare that involves the integration of the best available scientific evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences and values. It aims to provide the most effective and appropriate care for patients by using the best available evidence to guide decision-making and treatment planning.

EBD is a multidisciplinary approach that involves the following steps:

Identification of the clinical question: The first step in EBD is to identify a specific clinical question or problem that needs to be addressed.

Searching for the best available evidence: The next step is to search for and critically evaluate the best available scientific evidence on the topic. This includes searching for relevant research studies and systematic reviews, and critically evaluating the quality of the evidence.

Integration of the evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences: The final step is to integrate the best available evidence with the clinician’s expertise and the patient’s preferences and values to make a clinical decision or develop a treatment plan.

EBD is a process that is ongoing and dynamic, as new evidence is continually emerging and the best available evidence can change over time. It is important to note that EBD is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and that the best available evidence must be considered in the context of each individual patient’s needs and circumstances.

EBD is considered a key aspect of quality healthcare, as it can help to ensure that patients receive the most effective and appropriate care, based on the best available scientific evidence. EBD can also help to reduce the practice variation, promote the use of cost-effective treatments and improve the overall quality of oral healthcare.