Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) has gained acceptance as an oral healthcare approach. The objectives of this survey were to measure awareness, attitudes and implementation of EBD of Michigan dentists.
Methods:
A 19-item on-line questionnaire (UDM IRB approval 1213-23) was distributed to Michigan Dental Association member dentists with email addresses (n=3309). Items included multiple choice, Likert-type and open-ended responses regarding knowledge, attitudes and use of EBD.
Results:
Of 447 dentists who participated (13.5% response); 80.1% were general dentists and 19.9% were specialists; 81.9% in private practice, 8.3% academicians and 6.9% retired. The mean year of graduation was 1986 (1956-2012). 84.1% practiced EBD usually and 11.7% seldom or not at all. 91.5% agreed they are very familiar with EBD, 91.8% agreed that EBD is critical to dental practice and 86.3% feel very confident in their ability to evaluate quality of literature. When faced with clinical questions 48.8% always/often, 36.7% sometimes, and 14.6% seldom/never search for scientific literature. 28.8% accessed PubMed, 25.8% the ADA Center for EBD, and 7.6% the Cochrane Collection in the past year. 67.7% have never searched PubMed and 30.2% found it difficult to find information on the internet. 69.8% are interested in continuing education regarding EBD. Comments revealed a lack of understanding and skepticism regarding EBD (24 of 63), including flawed/biased nature of research (6), EBD is hyped/overrated (7), clinical experience does not support evidence (4), EBD benefits insurance companies (3). Comments supporting EBD (14 of 63) included the need for skill to appraise literature (4) and ability to think critically (3).
Conclusions:
Michigan dentists in this sample are aware and supportive of EBD and report having integrated it, at least in part, in their practice. However several areas of misunderstanding still exist. There is a disconnect between reported utilization of EBD and behaviors associated with full implementation of EBD.