Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers toward Evidence-based Dentistry among Moroccan Dental Professionals

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess Moroccan dental professionals’ knowledge and attitudes towards evidence-based practice and investigate their perception toward evidence-based dentistry (EBD) and barriers that compromise its use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire among Moroccan dentists. The questionnaire included questions on demographics data, attitudes, awareness and current practice, resources to guide clinical practice, understanding of terms, clinical situations to assess awareness of EBD and barriers. Quantitative variables were described in terms of numbers and percentages, and qualitative variables were compared using a Chi-square test. A p-value of less than 0.005 was considered significant. 208 participants were invited to take part in the study, corresponding to a response rate of 67.53%. 167 participants were general practitioners (GP) (80.3%) and 40 participants (19.7%) were specialist. 86.5% of the participants were graduates of national dental schools, and 13.5% graduated from other countries. Moroccan dental professionals expressed positive attitudes toward EBD, but a relatively a fair understanding of evidence-based practice. 57.7% of dentists indicated they had never heard of EBD. There were no significant differences between age groups or places of graduation. The most reported means of discovering EBD was through lectures (16.3%), a colleague or the internet (6.7%). Poor language and communication skills and lack of knowledge of information technology were the major barriers identified in this study. To overcome existing barriers and the lack of competencies relevant to dental practitioners, it is essential that EBD be incorporated into dental curriculum and in continuing professional education. Such a curriculum will increase the understanding and use of evidence-based dentistry.