Clinical Decision Support Chairside Tools for Evidence-Based Dental Practice

Evidence-based clinical decision support (EB-CDS) tools designed for chairside use, help support the implementation of Evidence-Based Dentistry. EB-CDS tools organize available evidence and risk factors in order to facilitate clinical decision-making as well as to enhance rapid and effective transfer of knowledge to the patient at the point of care. Gingival recession, root exposure, caries, dental sealants, decay prevention and topical fluoride guides are presented and discussed. The Assess-Advise-Decide Approach, described in this article, better enables patients to determine which course of action is in line with their preferences and values.

Key Words: clinical decision support tools, evidence-based dental practice, periodontics, gingival recession, root exposure, caries, dental sealants, decay prevention, topical fluoride