Evidence-based dentistry: Managing information for better practice

  • D. Richards,
  • J. Clarkson,
  • D. Matthews &
  • R. Niederman
UK: Quintessence price £28.00; pp 156 ISBN 9781850971269 | ISBN: 978-1-8509-7126-9

This text is an excellent new addition to the 'Quintessentials for General Dental Practitioners' series. The aim is 'to provide both undergraduates and postgraduates of all ages with an introduction to evidence-based dentistry and the techniques with which to apply it in practice'. It does achieve this objective and I would recommend this introductory text to undergraduates and postgraduates alike.

It consists of 13 chapters followed by an appendix, glossary and index. This compact hardback is light, glossy, well presented and easy to read. Each chapter follows a logical pattern with aims and objectives clearly stated at the beginning, and key points summarised at the end.

The opening chapter defines and introduces the principles of practising the 'five-stage evidence based dentistry' method. Early chapters focus on study design, introducing hierarchy of evidence and including useful reference websites for evidence-based guidelines. Clinical scenarios are used throughout to enable the reader to work through the evidence-based process. Later chapters outline how to critically appraise different study designs with a particularly useful reference table of critical appraisal questions. Interpretation of results and diagnostic tests are also covered with risks, odds, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values explained. Clinical scenarios and practical calculations help understanding and engage the reader. The glossary of terms towards the end of the text defines and explains many statistical, study design and appraisal terms frequently cited in the literature.

This book provides an excellent introduction to the subject and will enable the reader to adopt the evidence-based method in everyday practice. It is also a useful reference guide, which clearly describes how to critically appraise new information. The clinical scenarios chosen are of particular relevance to the general dental practitioner. The evidence-based method described encourages the reader to regularly ask questions, search for the best evidence, critically appraise the information, apply the evidence and evaluate the outcome.

New information and techniques which influence patient care and potentially alter everyday practice are continually being produced and published. The importance of the evidence-based approach, which enables practitioners to manage and appraise new information, cannot be over-emphasised. Key concepts are outlined in this text and relevant clinical scenarios are chosen to demonstrate how to practise the evidence-based method.