Methods: We conducted a qualitative study based on five individual interviews and two focus groups with purposively sampled Iranian dentists and medical practioners (totally 25 participants). Data were collected through discussions in focus groups and comparative data-analysis was guided by a ‘grounded theory approach’. The interviews were analysed successively in an editing style, using a thematic approach.
Results: Four major categories of obstacles were identified. These categories relate to obstacles in 1) production of evidence, 2) accessibility of technological facilities, 3) knowledge of partners in health care team, and 4) the basic fundamentals of evidence-based dentistry. Serious perceived barriers were listed as: lack of access to up-to-date evidence and online databases, contradictory information in the scientific literature, lack of clear answers to clinical questions, limitation of time and adherence to experience.
Conclusions: Identifying barriers will help improve translation of research into practice for dentists. According to the findings universities should provide EBD knowledge and skills to dental practioners, promote lifelong learning, address technical problems and better understand the values of the health professionals in order to facilitate implementation of evidence-based practice in dentistry.