In-Depth Notes on Research in Dental Hygiene

Introduction
  • The importance of conducting research in dental public health to:
    • Develop new programs.
    • Evaluate existing programs.
  • Role of dental hygienists in research includes:
    • Conducting evaluations of treatment modalities.
    • Assessing products in the field of dental hygiene.
Research in Dental Hygiene
  • Understanding basic research principles is crucial for dental hygienists to accurately interpret research.
  • Dental hygiene practices are grounded in research findings.
Research Methodology Comparison
Private Practice vs. Research Methodology
  • Identifies chief complaint vs. taking surveys or making observations about the population.
  • Takes health history vs. conducting literature reviews.
  • Makes diagnosis vs. developing research questions or hypothesis.
  • Determines treatment plan vs. writing research proposals and obtaining informed consent.
  • Treatment intervention starts with funding and research, ending with analysis and publication of results.
Scientific Method in Research
  • The scientific method involves:
    • Observation,
    • Reasoning,
    • Experimentation for gathering empirical and measurable evidence.
  • It is essential for studying diseases within populations.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
  • Definition: Practice based on evidence from independent research reported in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Origin: The term "evidence-based medicine" introduced in 1990 at McMaster University by Dr. David Sackett.
  • EBP integrates:
    • Best research evidence,
    • Clinical expertise,
    • Patient values and preferences.
Importance of EBP
  • EBP does not replace clinical skills or judgment but adds dimension to decision-making processes.
  • Encourages closing the gap between known evidence and practical application in clinical settings.
Strength of Evidence
  • Emphasizes the need for strong evidence such as:
    • Randomized controlled trials,
    • Systematic reviews,
  • Lessens reliance on anecdotal evidence or expert opinion, reducing biases through strict protocols.
Hierarchy of Study Designs
  • Highest Level: Systematic reviews with meta-analysis.
  • Gradually descending:
    1. Randomized controlled trials,
    2. Well-designed cohort studies,
    3. Cross-sectional studies,
    4. Case series,
    5. Opinions from authorities inspired by clinical experience.
Steps of Evidence-Based Practice
  1. Ask: Frame clinical questions using the PICO format.
  2. Access: Efficiently search scientific literature relevant to the question.
  3. Appraise: Critically evaluate the literature for validity and usefulness.
  4. Apply: Implement the evidence in practice while considering personal experience and patient preferences.
  5. Assess: Evaluate the evidence application and its impact on patient outcomes.
PICO Framework for Clinical Questions
  • P: Patient/Population/Problem - Describe the client’s chief complaint and characteristics.
  • I: Intervention - Specify the intervention being considered (product, procedure).
  • C: Comparison - Identify an alternative intervention to compare with, if applicable.
  • O: Outcome - Define what is aimed to be achieved (symptoms relief, functional improvement).
  • Writing Formula: "For [population] will [intervention] compared to [comparison] provide [outcome]?"
Accessing Literature
  • Utilize databases and professional association websites to find relevant peer-reviewed articles efficiently.
Appraising Literature
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in study designs and methodology to determine validity.
Applying Evidence
  • Consider the significance of results and their practical implications for clinical decision-making.
Assessing Performance
  • Reflect on the effectiveness of the EBDM process to manage continuous learning and application of evidence.
Role of Research in Dental Hygiene
  • Research serves as the backbone of dental hygiene practice and programs.
  • Historical perspective from Dr. Fones to the ongoing need for research-driven practice.
Developing a Scholarly Identity
  • Commitment to the discipline through:
    • Researching and disseminating knowledge,
    • Continuous learning and supporting evidence-based beliefs.
Professional vs. Occupational Models
  • The professional model focuses on:
    • Education and critical thinking,
    • Responsibility towards patient care and collaborative practice.
  • Contrarily, the occupational model centers on technical competence and mechanistic abilities without ownership of care.
Conclusion
  • All dental hygienists should understand research principles to incorporate EBD into practice effectively.
  • A solid research base is essential for advancing the dental hygiene profession and improving public health.