title: Implementation of evidence-based dentistry into practice: analysis of awareness, perceptions and attitudes of dentists in the World Dental Federation-European Regional Organization zone.
abstract: Based on evidence-based dentistry (EBD) being a relatively new concept in dentistry, the attitudes, perceptions and level of awareness of dentists regarding EBD, and perceived barriers to its implementation into daily practice, were comparatively analysed in six countries of the FDI (World Dental Federation-Federation Dentaire Internationale)-European Regional Organization (ERO) zone (France, Georgia, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Turkey). For this purpose, a questionnaire, 'The Relationship Between Dental Practitioners and Universities', was developed by the FDI-ERO Working Group and applied by National Dental Associations (NDAs). A total of 850 valid responses were received, and cumulative data, comparisons between countries and potential impact of demographic variables were analysed. Regarding EBD, similar percentages of respondents reported that they 'know what it is' (32.8%) and 'they practice' (32.1%). Most respondents believed that 'EBD is beneficial' (89.1%); however, they had different thoughts regarding 'who actually benefited from EBD'. Of the participants, 60% believed that 'dentists experience difficulties in implementing EBD'. Although lack of time, lack of education and limited availability of evidence-based clinical guidelines were among the major barriers, there were differences among countries (P<0.05). Significant differences were also observed between countries regarding certain questions such as 'where EBD needed to be taught' (P<0.05), as both undergraduate and continuing education were suggested to be suitable. Age, practice mode and years of practice significantly affected many of the responses (P<0.05). There was a general, positive attitude toward EBD; however, there was also a clear demand for more information and support to enhance dentists' knowledge and use of EBD in everyday practice and a specific role for the NDAs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hacettepe, Ankara, Turkey.|FDI-ERO WG 'Relations Between Dental Practitioner and Universities', Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Nermin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yamalik
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Gazi, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Secil Karakoca
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Nemli
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Eunice
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Carrilho
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Medical Faculty, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dianiskova
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Paulo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Melo
authors.affiliation: President-elect, FDI-ERO, Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lella
authors.affiliation: Association Dentaire Française (ADF), Paris, France.
authors.forename: Joel
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Trouillet
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia.
authors.forename: Vladimer
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Margvelashvili
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D004497:Education, Dental; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing; D005060:Europe; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry / Q000193:education; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006124:Group Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D011331:Private Practice; D011364:Professional Practice; D011636:Public Health Dentistry; D012953:Societies, Dental; D013039:Specialties, Dental; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Evidence-based dentistry; attitudes; barriers; clinical implementation; perceptions