title: Evidence-based decision making in action: Part 2--evaluating and applying the clinical evidence.
abstract: This is the second of a two-part series addressing the use of evidence-based decision making (EBDM) in the use of home bleaching. In Part 1, a case scenario demonstrated the skills involved in (1) structuring a clinical question and (2) conducting an online search using PubMed.1 Part 2 demonstrates the third and fourth steps in the EBDM process, i.e., (3) critical appraisal to assess the validity of a study and (4) applying that information to clinical decision making. This 4-step approach to EBDM recognizes that clinicians can never be completely current with all conditions, medications, materials, and products. Thus, EBDM provides a mechanism for addressing these gaps in knowledge in order to provide the best care possible.
authors.affiliation: National Center for Dental Hygiene Research at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA. jforrest@hsc.usc.edu
authors.forename: Jane L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Forrest
authors.forename: Syrene A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014073:Tooth Bleaching / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*