In the modern world, new information which is constantly being produced that affects patient treatment, and clinicians need the skills to evaluate and apply pertinent information into their practice. This book outlines the key concepts of evidence-based dentistry and illustrates the process from analysis to implementation using relevant clinical examples.

156 pp; 35 illus;

ISBN: 978-1-85097-126-9; 9781850971269;

Contents
1. Introduction

2. Finding Answers

3. Clinical Scenarios

4. Evidence-based Guidelines

5. Cochrane Reviews

6. Systematic Reviews

7. Studies

8. Study Appraisal: Randomised Controlled Trials

9. Study Appraisal: Cohort Studies

10. Study Appraisal: Diagnostic Studies

11. Study Appraisal: Qualitative Studies

12. Keeping Up To Date

13. Sources of Evidence/Information

Foreword
You must have come across the term “evidence-based dentistry” (EBD). But do you really understand it, are you practising it and, if not, can you hand-on-heart say that your clinical decisions and treatments are best for your patients. Evidence-based Dentistry: Managing Information for Better Practice adds yet another dimension to the Quintessentials of Dental Practice series. The volume provides a valuable introduction to EBD, including guidance as to how to apply this approach to your clinical practice. The concepts underpinning the evidence-based approach to clinical decision making and treatment provision are not new; however, the move to achieving widespread application of the approach is relatively recent. If you are not part of this movement, or need to know more about the application of the approach, then this book will be a valuable acquisition. As has come to be expected of all Quintessential volumes, this book is a carefully crafted, easy to read, well-illustrated text, including a wealth of sound advice and practical guidance of immediate practical relevance—a key to many benefits to your patients and practice, let alone a portal to enhanced professional fulfilment.

Congratulations to the author and contributors for a job well done—another jewel in the Quintessentials’ treasure-trove.

Preface
When talking to practitioners about evidence-based dentistry (EBD) there are a number of questions that are commonly raised:

• Is EBD new?
• Would I need to change my practice to be evidence based?
• Could EBD save me time and money?
• Would my patients benefit from EBD?
• Is it easy?
• Is it really different from what I do now?
• Do I need to understand statistics?
Practitioners strive day to day to do their best for their patients and in doing so make many decisions on how to treat them. The influences on this decision-making process are many and varied.

Evidence is just one of these influences, but an important one. The term evidence-based dentistry was introduced to the dental world in 1994.1 Now as then, when dentists are asked, they say their practice is based on evidence. However, when the evidence has been reviewed for some of the most frequently performed techniques, the lack of quality evidence is apparent. Conversely, there are some simple procedures where evidence of benefit exists and yet they are not routinely performed.

This book aims to provide both undergraduates and postgraduates of all ages with an introduction to EBD and the techniques with which to apply it in practice, and in the process answer the questions posed above.

Reference
1. Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group. Evidence-based health care: A new approach to teaching the practice of health care. J Dent Educ 1994;58:648–653.