Evidence-based dentistry: Part I. Getting started.

This article is the first in a 6-part series on the methods of evidence-based dentistry. To practise in an evidence-based manner, practitioners must be able to formulate a clear question, find the best available evidence efficiently, evaluate the evidence systematically and, if it is relevant and credible, apply the results of the appraisal to their practice. In this paper, we will look at the process of building a clinical question using key elements. Examples of questions most commonly encountered in everyday dental practice are provided.