Multifaceted strategy needed to improve dentists' adherence to evidence-based guidelines.
METHODS
This was a cluster-randomised clinical trial (RCT) of incomplete block design.


METHODS
The interventions comprised an online 'patient-simulated clinical case' assessment, guideline dissemination, an interactive educational meeting, and flow chart reminders. All participants received feedback on individual as well as group scores for the patient-simulated clinical case assessment. Reminders with particular information and guideline-algorithm flow diagrams were provided 2 months before post-intervention measurements.


METHODS
The primary outcome measure was guideline-adherent recall interval assignment, and the secondary outcome measure was guideline-adherent bitewing frequency prescription.


RESULTS
For low-risk patients, guideline-adherent recall increased in the intervention group (+8%), which differed from the control group (-6.1%; P 0.01). Guideline-adherent bitewings showed mixed results.


CONCLUSIONS
Multifaceted intervention had a moderate but relevant effect on the performance of general dental practitioners, which is consistent with other findings in primary care.
Matthews
Debora C
DC
Department of Dental Clinical Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.