title: Practice parameters in dentistry: where do we stand?
abstract: Practice parameters or guidelines have been touted as a means of enhancing clinical decision making. The authors surveyed dental organizations and reviewed the literature to determine the availability of parameters for dental conditions. An Institute of Medicine report has suggested that for parameters to provide the desired benefits, they must meet certain criteria and possess certain characteristics. Using these criteria, the authors assess available parameters in dentistry.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Shugars
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Bader
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003657:Decision Making; D003813:Dentistry; D006077:Government Agencies; D006801:Humans; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement; D009939:Organizations, Nonprofit; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012953:Societies, Dental; D014481:United States; D016270:United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality