Interdisciplinary Resources Optimize Evidence-Based Dental Practice

Fig 1. Researchers produce best evidence from quantitative and qualitative data from systematic reviews. The process begins when researcher develops the clinical question into a research question with the assistance of the dentist. The best evidence produced from this process has statistical significance.

Fig 2. Clinicians work with researchers to integrate best evidence into clinical practice. Clinical expertise and experience renders best evidence clinically significant. As a result of this collaboration, clinicians also provide data developed from individual patients and local factors to update best evidence through the central repository.

Fig 3. To the decision-making process, best evidence provides data developed from the “average patient.” Patient characteristics and preferences individualize best evidence and my exert demands on evidence to meet specific, personal needs.

Fig 4. The result of the evidence-based decision-making process is the clinical decision. Long term monitoring of patient compliance with the clinical decision determines the meaning of best evidence in clinical practice.