General dental practitioners' knowledge of and attitudes towards evidence-based practice

Aims To assess general dental practitioners' understanding of, and attitudes towards, evidence-based practice (EBP). Subjects A random sample of general dental practitioners currently practising in the North West of England. Method A cross-sectional survey using self-administered, structured, postal questionnaires in January 2001. Results A majority of the respondents had some understanding of technical terms associated with EBP. Only 29% (60/204) could correctly define the term EBP When faced with clinical uncertainties 60% (122/204) of general dental practitioners turned to friends and colleagues for help and advice. Eighty one percent of respondents were interested in finding out further information about EBP (165/204). Barriers to its use included a lack of available time and financial constraints. Conclusions EBP is not a concept that every dentist is familiar with, however, the general dental practitioners surveyed were enthusiastic and expressed a desire to find out more information on EBD. It appears to be the right time for an educational program targeted at GDPs to enhance their knowledge and use of EBD in everyday practice.