title: Self-Perceived Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes, and Use of Evidence-Based Dentistry Among Practitioners Transitioning to Dental Educators.
abstract: Dental practitioners transitioning to dental educators (PTEs) have an integral role in dental education. While PTEs intrinsically apply some form of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) in patient care, it may not be a standardized, systematic approach. The aims of this study were to determine the self-perceived knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors of PTEs regarding EBD at one U.S. dental school and to identify areas where formal calibration may be warranted to facilitate their competence and confidence as dental educators. Participants voluntarily completed a 32-question survey regarding their EBD training and self-perceived EBD skills in several areas: use of the clinical evidence pyramid; systematic, objective, and critical appraisal of the evidence; application of the evidence to patient care; and integrating clinical expertise, scientific evidence, and patient's preferences to formulate a treatment plan. The PTEs were invited to participate in the anonymous survey during regularly scheduled calibration sessions held between May and July 2014. After study information was distributed, 100% of the attendees (n=43) completed the survey. The percentage of total PTEs at the school could not be calculated. Of the responding PTEs, 69% rated themselves better than satisfactory (70% proficiency) in their knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding EBD skills application. However, only 33-42% of the respondents indicated that they frequently used the evidence pyramid and systematically, objectively, and critically appraised the evidence, even though 65% indicated they applied the evidence to improve patient care over 70% of the time. In addition, the participating PTEs identified a need for more frequent use of formal EBD skills. Providing case-based EBD projects involving PTEs as mentors may provide more opportunities for the judicious and effective use of these important skills and may improve PTEs' self-perceived confidence.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Ciancio is Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Dr. Lee is Professor, Behavioral Medicine Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Dr. Krumdick is Associate Professor, Behavioral Medicine Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Ms. Lencioni is Health Sciences Librarian, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; and Dr. Kanjirath is Associate Dean, College of Dental Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL. mcianc@midwestern.edu.
authors.forename: Mae J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Ciancio
authors.affiliation: Dr. Ciancio is Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Dr. Lee is Professor, Behavioral Medicine Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Dr. Krumdick is Associate Professor, Behavioral Medicine Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Ms. Lencioni is Health Sciences Librarian, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; and Dr. Kanjirath is Associate Dean, College of Dental Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL.
authors.forename: Michelle M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Dr. Ciancio is Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Dr. Lee is Professor, Behavioral Medicine Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Dr. Krumdick is Associate Professor, Behavioral Medicine Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Ms. Lencioni is Health Sciences Librarian, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; and Dr. Kanjirath is Associate Dean, College of Dental Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL.
authors.forename: Nathaniel D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Krumdick
authors.affiliation: Dr. Ciancio is Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Dr. Lee is Professor, Behavioral Medicine Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Dr. Krumdick is Associate Professor, Behavioral Medicine Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Ms. Lencioni is Health Sciences Librarian, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; and Dr. Kanjirath is Associate Dean, College of Dental Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lencioni
authors.affiliation: Dr. Ciancio is Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Dr. Lee is Professor, Behavioral Medicine Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Dr. Krumdick is Associate Professor, Behavioral Medicine Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; Ms. Lencioni is Health Sciences Librarian, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; and Dr. Kanjirath is Associate Dean, College of Dental Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL.
authors.forename: Preetha P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Kanjirath
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry / Q000193:education*; D005179:Faculty, Dental / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D015146:Midwestern United States; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: dental education; evidence pyramid; evidence-based dentistry; evidence-based practice; faculty development; self-assessment