title: Evidence-based dentistry: fundamentals for the dentist.
abstract: This article explains the fundamentals of evidence-based dentistry for the dentist. Evidence-based dentistry is a discipline whose primary participant is the translational researcher. Recent developments have emphasized the importance of this discipline (clinical and translational research) for improving health care. The process of evidence-based dentistry is the reciprocation of new and existing evidence between dentists and quantitative and qualitative researchers, facilitated by the translational researcher. The product of this reciprocation is the clinical practice guideline, or best evidence, that provides the patient options in choosing treatments or services. These options are quantified and qualified by decision, utility, and cost data. Using shared decision-making, the dentist and patient arrive at a mutual understanding of which option best meets an acceptable and preferred treatment course that is cost effective. This option becomes the clinical decision.
authors.affiliation: June and Paul Ehrlich Endowed Program in Geriatric Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry, Division of Restorative Dentistry, CA 90095-1668, USA.
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chiappelli
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Spackman
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Prolo
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stevenson
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D018865:Dental Research; D003813:Dentistry; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D010358:Patient Participation; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic