Enhanced efficiency, reduced risk and patient-centred care are just three key benefits of practicing Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD), according to Specialist Periodontist Dr. Sulaman Anwar and Hygienist and Therapist Anna Middleton.
They believe that EBD, which centres on integrating the very best available scientific evidence with clinical expertise and patient values, is increasingly critical in a world of the widespread misinformation, and ineffective products, often pushed by social media.
Dr. Anwar commented: “EBD is the conscientious and discerning use of current best evidence to make decisions about patient care. It is important to consider the three different facets that we need to bring together: The first thing is the scientific evidence. What is the data? What is the research and the clinical expertise behind that research and where are the patient values and the patient preferences. Where all three meet is where evidence-based dentistry lies.”
He underlines the important role of EBD has in countering misinformation found online and social media, which increasingly encourages people to take information and product recommendations from TikTok and Instagramers, and which can often do more harm than good to their oral health.
Anna agrees, adding that clinicians need to be aware of what’s on the market and the claims being made, so they can present patients with evidence-based treatment and product options and recommendations. “I think there’s an overwhelming amount of research coming out and I think we, as clinicians, have a responsibility to assess the quality of that research. From a clinician’s point of view, we want to improve our patient outcomes with evidence based tools. For our patients, in turn, this helps to build trust and satisfaction through the scientific validation of the data we are presenting to them.”
Both presented their views at the launch of a new publication; the Evidence-Based Dentistry Toolkit for Dental Professionals from Philips. The toolkit not only offers a thorough explanation of what EBD is, and why it is important, but also provides a step-by-step approach to analysing research, assessing its validity and evaluating its significance. In addition, it guides practitioners through the misinformation minefield, highlighting the most common sources of misinformation and how to avoid falling victim to them by thoroughly fact-checking claims, verifying sources and trusting natural scepticism.
The toolkit also takes clinicians through how to apply EBD to their own practice.
- Formulate the clinical question using the PICO – Patient/problem, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome, framework
- Search for the evidence using sources such as PubMed, Cochrane Library or the ADA Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry – a critical step that avoids relaying on outdated or unverified practices
- Appraise the evidence – critically evaluating the relevance, validity and quality of the research
- Apply evidence in practice – integrate the findings with your clinical expertise and patient references
- Reflect and improve – continually evaluate the outcomes of EBD
The dialogue in the toolkit concludes: “Evidence-Based Dentistry is a cornerstone of modern dental practice. By systematically incorporating the best available evidence, dental professionals can provide high-quality, patient-centred care, while navigating the challenges of misinformation. Developing critical appraisal skills and a commitment to lifelong learning will ensure your practice remains at the forefront of dental science.”
Commenting on the toolkit launch Dr. Anwar adds the toolkit is a useful reminder of how to approach EBD in practice. “Philips has created a step-by-step implementation strategy, going through all the appropriate tools, how to educate and how to monitor. I think as a guide, it’s brilliant.”
To request a free copy of the Philips Evidence-Based Dentistry Toolkit for Dental Professionals please contact dental.clinical.support@philips.com
