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

Abstract

This study investigated the use of scientific evidence and the practice of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) among dentists working in Brazil. An online questionnaire was emailed to dentists registered with Brazilian state dental councils. The questionnaire assessed the demographic, educational, and work characteristics of the sample, along with habits in reading scientific articles and other updating resources. Data were analyzed descriptively and by using Bonferroni, Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, and T-test statistical methods (α = 0.05). A total of 795 responses were received between June, 2015 and January, 2016. The response rate was not calculated because it was not possible to determine precisely how many dentists received these e-mails. Over 77% of the responding dentists completed postgraduate training. They referred mainly to books, scientific or clinical journals, conferences, and short-term courses for updating their knowledge. Dentists who reported having a habit of reading scientific journals (60.9%) showed a preference for reading case reports, clinical research articles, and literature reviews. Most dentists (77.5%) reported changing their clinical behaviors or procedures based on information gleaned from journal articles. The types of articles that led them to change their clinical practices were primarily clinical research articles and case reports. Working in the public sector was also associated with a lower prevalence of a habit of reading scientific journals and practicing EBD (i.e., self-reported practice). The results suggest that dentists are interested in reading journal articles, especially those addressing clinical outcomes, and that there is room for improving the practice of EBD, particularly in the public sector.

Brazilian dentists' perception of dentin hypersensitivity management

“…Only in this way can they be confident in their ability to treat the problem, and to apply the best strategy to each clinical situation. An important consideration is that the information about DH products is usually provided by the manufacturing companies, 1 and the basing of decisions to change clinical practice strategies on scientific evidence poses a challenge to some dentists, 33 who still make decisions based on their previous experiences or opinions from colleagues. 34 Furthermore, clinicians tend to simply recommend a treatment (such as the application of desensitizing agents) without first modifying or eliminating the etiological and predisposing factors involved in the process.…”

Email vs. Instagram recruitment strategies for online survey research

“…To illustrate this methodological paper, an online survey targeting dentists in Brazil is described, with a focus on the recruiting strategy rather than the participants. We have previously attempted to reach dentists working in Brazil via emails sent by regional dental councils with low return rates [6]. Therefore, in a recent study addressing the COVID-19 impact on dentistry [22], we prospected to additionally use Instagram to reach our target population since it is among the most popular social networks worldwide.…”

“…Recruitment via the Internet became frequent when emails were the most used online media and still remains a popular method. The major drawbacks of email recruitment include the difficulty in gathering updated email addresses [5] and fluctuating response rates [2,3,6].…”

El uso de rayos X en odontología y la importancia de la justificación de exámenes radiográficos

“…(5)(6)(7) Las guías clínicas ayudan al clínico a poner en práctica la odontología basada en evidencia, mediante la toma de decisiones clínicas que signifiquen una atención de calidad y mayor beneficio para el paciente. (32) Esto se logra cuando el clínico considera las necesidades y preferencias del paciente para su tratamiento y las relaciona con las recomendaciones que entregan las guías, integrando esta información con su experiencia clínica. (33) Existen numerosas guías clínicas tanto para los exámenes radiográficos convencionales bidimensionales como para TCHC.…”