Evidence-based dentistry (EBD)

integrates the dentist’s clinical expertise, the patient’s needs and preferences, and the most current, clinically relevant evidence.
Recent developments have emphasized the importance of EBD for improving health care.

The product of EBD is the clinical practice guideline, or best evidence, that provides the patient options in choosing treatments or services. These options are quantified and qualified by decision, utility, and cost data. Using shared decision-making, the dentist and patient arrive at a mutual understanding of which option best meets an acceptable and preferred treatment course that is cost effective. This option becomes the clinical decision.

(adapted from Bauer e.a. Evidence-based dentistry: fundamentals for the dentist. J Calif Dent Assoc. 2006 Jun;34(6):427-32)