Obstacles to Implementing Evidence‐Based Dentistry: A Focus Group‐Based Study

Abstract

In many countries, questions have been raised about the use of evidence‐based practice (EBP) in oral health care. The call for an increase in EBP seems to face many obstacles. Only limited empirical studies address these obstacles. We present a qualitative study that explores the obstacles that Flemish (Belgian, Dutch‐speaking) dentists experience in the implementation of EBP in routine clinical work. We collected data from discussions in focus groups. Seventy‐nine dentists participated. The data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Three major categories of obstacles were identified. These categories relate to obstacles in 1) evidence, 2) partners in health care (medical doctors, patients, and government), and 3) the field of dentistry. Our findings suggest that educators should provide communication skills to aid decision making, address the technical dimensions of dentistry, promote lifelong learning, and close the gap between academics and general practitioners (dentists) in order to create mutual understanding. The obstacles identified are considered useful to support future quantitative research that can be generalized to a broader group.

Use of scientific evidence by dentists in Brazil: Room for improving the evidence-based practice

“…Dentists who lack experience in reading articles might face challenges in interpreting certain terminology [ 5 ], particularly when the article is in a foreign language [ 6 ]. Other potential obstacles are personal motivations and financial issues originating in either the professional or patient, which might cause them to choose one intervention or treatment over another [ 7 , 8 ]; an intense workload [ 9 , 10 ]; or even an excess of publications in dentistry [ 7 , 11 , 12 ]. In addition, studies that report conflicting results might also end up confusing professionals [ 10 ].…”

The cross-cultural process of adapting observational tools for pediatric pain assessment: the case of the Dental Discomfort Questionnaire

“…Members of the target population were not involved in this process because the concepts included in the questionnaire had already been tested in similar Brazilian populations as part of other questionnaires or surveys; therefore, a review of the literature provided sufficient exploration. Thus, the focus group methodology enabled important in-depth understanding of the relevance of dental pain as perceived by health professionals with extensive experience caring for the target population [ 29 ]. Another exploration of Brazilian pediatric dentists’ perceptions about dental pain in preschoolers showed the need of a validated instrument to systematically assess dental pain in this age group [ 23 ].…”

Motivators and barriers to engagement with evidence-based practice among medical and dental trainees from the UK and Republic of Ireland: a national survey

“…Despite these recommendations and the known tangible benefits of EBP to patient outcomes and care, it is recognised that clinical practice is not universally ‘evidence based’ 3 4 8. The barriers to EBP have been studied previously and are numerous 9–11. Commonly cited examples include inadequate knowledge or awareness of relevant evidence, a lack of individual motivation to engage with the evidence base and difficulty reconciling available evidence with a clinical question 9…”