Evidence-based dentistry: a practitioner's perspective.

Basing practice decisions on evidence is neither contestable nor new. There are some concerns, however, that must be addressed. First, all published "evidence" is not of equal quality. Second, the practical experience of dentists must be recognized as constituting evidence. Additionally, third parties should not be allowed to use evidence if that use interferes with practitioners' judgment. Fourth, the call for more evidence may place a burden on dental schools already struggling to keep up with their demands of teaching basic dental skills. The Dental Practice Parameters developed by the ADA may provide a more realistic alternative because they preserve practitioner discretion.