Evidence-based dentistry in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based dentistry, or EBD, is not a new concept for the dental profession in the United States. The American Dental Association has long relied on credible scientific evidence in setting policy and communicating with dentists and the general public. EBD provides an approach to oral health care that follows a process of systematically collecting and analyzing scientific evidence to answer a specific clinical question. OVERVIEW: The authors discuss applications of systematic review findings to everyday clinical practice and explore the implications of EBD for dental education, clinical research and the provision of care to patients. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: In developing appropriate treatment plans, dentists should combine the patient's treatment needs and preferences with the best available scientific evidence, in conjunction with the dentist's clinical expertise. To keep pace with other health professions in building a strong evidence-based foundation, dentistry will require significant investments in clinical research and education to evaluate the best currently available evidence in dentistry and to identify new information needed to help dentists provide optimal care to patients.