title: The translational clinical practice system: a way to implement the evidence-based approach in the dental office.
abstract: Evidence-based decision-making in dental practice is challenging and rewarding. But for many clinicians, the evidence-based approach is an abstract and even theoretical idea that sounds good, but is not very practical. The Translational Clinical Practice System provides an overriding domain and a system within which the evidence-based approach may be more effectively utilized in clinical practice. Most would agree that using good evidence, information, and data as the basis for decisions are the starting points toward reaching the best results for the patient. However, there are clearly insufficiencies in the currently available best scientific evidence for many of the procedures patients need. The good news is that the evidence environment is improving and better quality information is becoming available in the office where it is needed. This article describes a logical and straightforward approach for clinicians to use in order to put together complex and often interwoven factors involved with patient care. Specific clinical examples are provided.
authors.affiliation: University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry, USA.
authors.forename: George K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Merijohn
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D019992:Databases as Topic; D003657:Decision Making; D003729:Dental Care; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D003748:Dental Equipment / Q000382:microbiology; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D004990:Ethics, Dental; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures; D012107:Research Design; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012449:Safety; D016378:Tissue Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D014871:Water Microbiology