title: Evidence-based versus experience-based decision making in clinical dentistry.
abstract: Evidence-based dentistry has become a frequent topic of conversation because good practice must be based on good evidence. This article explores some of the characteristics of "best" evidence. It is concluded that a blending of sound science and practice experience is needed and it is proposed that such evidence can be generated in clinical study groups and the recently funded Centers of Discovery.
authors.affiliation: UCLA School of Dentistry, USA. macruz@ix.netcom.com
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Cruz
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D003813:Dentistry; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D011364:Professional Practice; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012586:Science; D014481:United States; D016270:United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality