title: Evidence-based orthodontics or the paradigm shift.
abstract: Practicing evidence-based orthodontics means offering patients treatment, which complies with scientifically-established data. However, how can we assess what science has determined to be certain given the confusing welter of information made available to us? The search for proof is a process, which requires knowledge of clinical methodology. It aims to set up a hierarchical classification of scientific and clinical studies and to assess their validity. By taking into account these different levels of proof, clinicians are in a position to make informed decisions regarding their clinical procedures and are thus empowered to take control of their learning process and the development of their skills.
authors.affiliation: Service d'orthodontie, université Victor-Segalen de Bordeaux-II, 146, rue Léo-Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France. martial.ruiz@wanadoo.fr
authors.forename: Martial
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruiz
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D018865:Dental Research; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D019370:Observation; D009970:Orthodontics / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012196:Review Literature as Topic