Evidence based dentistry is a systematic practice of dentistry in which the dentist finds, assesses and implements methods of diagnosis and treatment on the basis of the best available current research, their clinical expertise, and the needs and preferences of the patient. EBD is the integration and interpretation of the available current research, combined with personal experience relating to the patient's oral and medical condition and history. It allows dentists as well as academic researchers to keep abreast of new developments and make decisions that improve their clinical practice. This is a patient- centered approach to treatment decisions. EBD is about providing personalised dental care, based on the most current scientific knowledge.
Evidence-based care is a global movement in all the health science disciplines. It represents a philosophical shift in the approach to practice- a shift that emphasizes evidence over opinion and at the same time, judgment over blind adherence to rules. Evidence-based health care recognizes the complex environment in which clinical decisions are made and the importance of individual patient circumstances, beliefs, attitudes and values.
Evidence based practice is a practical approach to clinical problems. It involves tracking down the best available evidence, assessing its validity and using “rules of evidence” to grade the evidence according to its strength. It has been shown that evidence-based methods can be learned by clinicians at any stage in their careers. The fact is that scientific research evidence has built the knowledge base and has always provided the foundation for sound practice of the profession of dentistry.
