Evidence-Based Dentistry Web Site

Initial Database Features Over 1300 Systematic Reviews

The American Dental Association (ADA) announces the launching of EBD.ada.org (http://www.ebd.ada.org), the Web site dedicated to evidenced-based dentistry (EBD). EBD.ada.org allows easy and quick access to a database of systematic reviews of oral health clinical information from one centralized location.

EBD, according to the ADA, is an approach to oral health care that requires the judicious integration of systematic assessments of clinically relevant scientific evidence, relating to the patient's oral and medical condition and history, with the dentist's clinical expertise and the patient's treatment needs and preferences.

Supported by a grant from the National Library of Medicine and the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (grant number G08 LM008956), EBD.ada.org also features critical summaries of systematic reviews that assess information within systematic reviews in a concise format so that health care workers can incorporate scientific evidence in clinical decision making.

Key features of the EBD Web site include:

o A database of systematic reviews-- The database features over 1300 systematic reviews, with quarterly updating.

o Critical Summaries of systematic reviews -- One-page synopses of the key elements of a systematic review that a member of the dental team needs to know when making treatment decisions. Authors of the summaries are practicing dentists trained in critical assessment of published studies.

o Clinical Recommendations -- These provide evidence-based guidance on the application of current scientific evidence to patient care.

o Suggest Clinical Ideas-- A section where dentists can let the ADA know the clinical questions they encounter in trying to provide the best care to their patients.

o Links to other useful resources-- This central resource for EBD information will include links to many outside resources, including tutorials, glossaries, and databases.

"This is just a first step for EBD.ada.org," explains John S. Findley, D.D.S., ADA president. "We will continue to gather feedback to make sure the Web site provides the most clinically relevant and current information in a concise and user-friendly manner for dental and health care professionals."