Integrating EBD into clinical teaching: staff and student perspectives

Background: Evidence Based Dentistry (EBD) provides an approach to oral health care that incorporates a structured process of systematically reviewing and critically appraising scientific evidence to answer specific clinical questions. In 2011, EBD was incorporated into clinical practice for final year BOH students whenever they started a course of care for a patient in Dental Hygiene (including Special Care) or Dental Therapy. Clinical Educators (CE's) were given a day of continuing education, and both students and staff were given the same laminated resources for use in the clinic. EBD was incorporated into assessment within clinical practice. Objectives: To evaluate perceptions of students and CE's about the incorporation of EBD into the undergraduate teaching clinics of the Bachelor of Oral Health (Sydney). Methods: All students in BOH3 and all CE's were sent audit questionnaires. The students' questionnaire focused on their experience of evidence-based practice, accessing evidence during clinical practice and confidence in applying skills in critical appraisal. The CE questionnaire focused on EBD implementation, students' EBD application, and supervision of evidence based practice in clinical sessions. Results: Of the students, the majority (59%) agreed EBD had changed their approach in providing patient care. More than 70% of students appreciated the usefulness of EBD in patient care. Less than 25% did not feel confident about particular aspects of EBD in the clinic. Of the CEs, 100% supported EBD being integral to clinical practice, and over 70% said it had changed their own practice. Over 50% reported EBD changed the way students view their decision making in clinical practice. The majority (>70%) reported confidence in teaching EBD in the clinic, but wanted more educational support, and noted time constraints in clinics. Conclusions: The evaluation supported EBD within clinical practice, and revealed some issues about its implementation for staff and students.