Introduction to practising Evidence-based dentistry
The Evidence-based approach is essentially a structured (stepwise) process for dealing with clinical problems. This stepwise approach encourages the use of the latest information rather that a reliance on techniques, materials and treatments learned years earlier.
There are five elements to the approach:
- Question - Developing a clear question based on the patients clinical problem.
- Find - Finding the latest evidence through efficient searching for information.
- Appraise - Critically appraising the evidence to assess its value.
- Act - Acting on the evidence you find, if appropriate and relevant to the clinical situation to provide treatment for the patients.
- Evaluation - Each aspect of your perfomance in this process can, and should be evaluated and this is increasingly relevant with the development of continuing professional development.
Page last edited: 09 December 2007
