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.

Clinical Guidelines and Implementation into Daily Dental Practice

“…[38][39][40] In a similar manner, differences in perceptions and attitudes towards various professional matters and issues of dental professionals' from different countries have also been documented. 27,[33][34][35][36]41 Despite the limited number of participants and within the limitations of the study design, the differences in the perceptions and attitudes of dentists towards CDGs observed in the present study are shaped by local circumstances. This may be of particular importance for attempts aiming at overcoming the barriers for effective implementation of CDGs into daily practice as each specific barrier may require a different approach again based on the local circumstances.…”

“…[27][28][29][30][31][32] For example, the impact of age, gender, years of practice and type of practice on the perceptions and attitudes of dental professionals regarding EBD was documented. 27 The present study is in line with these previous studies 27, 28 as a clear impact of age, gender, years of practice and 'type' of practice' on dentists perceptions and attitudes towards CDGs and their implementation into dental practice was concerned. Age and gender had impact even though type of practice seemed to have the most prominent impact.…”

A cross‐sectional study of confidence in minor surgical skills amongst junior dentists

“…Cost efficiency should always be considered within best clinical practice, and it has been found that junior dentists are more likely to engage with such "evidence-based dentistry", when compared to older colleagues. 21 Therefore, encouraging change amongst younger practitioners (both EEA and UK trained) will be more likely to elicit a reform of duties within UK general dental practice, which could result in improved patient convenience and satisfaction, alongside reducing NHS expenditure on secondary care services.…”

Evidence‐based dentistry for planning restorative treatments: barriers and potential solutions

“…EBD could help address this problem. However, finding reliable information is challenging and often the information is conflicting when consulting different sources (78)(79)(80). Indeed, in this study, our students reported difficulties in finding reliable information to answer the clinical questions (Fig.…”