Speaker: Dr. Romina Brignardello-Petersen

The Role of Evidence to Inform Decisions in Practice. Why Bother with Evidence-Based Dentistry?

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The Role of Evidence to Inform Decisions in Practice. Why Bother with Evidence-Based Dentistry?

This course describes what is evidence and why it is important when making clinical decisions, the principles of evidence-based dental practice and their rationale, how to interpret the results from studies, and how to avoid being misled by study authors.

This electronically delivered self‑instructional program is designated for 1.75 hours of ADA CERP and AGD PACE CE credit by Farran Media (AGD Code: 010). The fee to view the course is $36, which includes the fee to take the exam and claim your CE credits.

This course aims to describe and illustrate the importance of evidence-based dental practice (EBDP). It covers why evidence is important when making decisions, what evidence is in general and in the context of dental practice, and the principles of EBDP. It also explains the hierarchy of evidence, limitations within evidence levels, the importance of systematic reviews, and the role of patients’ values and clinicians’ experience.

Finally, it covers how to interpret study results and how to avoid being misled by study authors.

• To understand the importance of evidence to inform decision‑making
• To be familiar with the principles of evidence‑based dental practice
• To be familiar with the key factors to consider when using evidence to inform decision‑making
• To understand the difference between statistical significance and clinical importance
• To understand the importance of critically appraising the evidence

Dr. Romina Brignardello‑Petersen (DDS, MSc, PhD) is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University. She has formal training in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research and biostatistics, and her research focuses on methods for developing systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines. She teaches Health Research Methodology and Public Health graduate students how to use and conduct reviews and guidelines.

In the past 12 months, the lecturer/speaker declared a financial interest, arrangement, or affiliation within the field of dentistry or health care with the American Dental Associations.

The CE provider (Farran Media) uses reasonable care in selecting and providing content that is accurate. The CE provider does not independently verify the content or materials, nor does it represent that the instructional materials are error‑free or comprehensive. Completing one or more continuing education courses does not provide sufficient information to qualify the participant as an expert in the field related to the course topic or in any specific technique or procedure.

The instructional materials are intended to supplement, but are not a substitute for, the knowledge, expertise, skill, and judgment of a trained health care professional.

Continuing education credits issued for completion of online CE courses may not apply toward license renewal in all licensing jurisdictions. It is the responsibility of each registrant to verify the CE requirements of his or her licensing or regulatory agency. For the most up‑to‑date information, please contact your state board directly.

There are no refunds for online CE courses. Please contact technical support if you run into technical difficulty.

For any questions, please contact Nareg Apelian, DMD, Director of Continuing Education at