Perceptions and attitudes towards the use of Evidence-based Dentistry (EBD) among final year students and interns at King Saud University, College of Dentistry in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

The wider acceptance of Evidence-based dentistry in the developing world remains uncharted. This study explores the awareness, attitudes and barriers to its implementation by future Saudi dentists. A systematically developed, anonymous, self-administered 13 item questionnaire was given to all 115 final year dental students and interns (<2 years since graduation). The response rate was 76%. Data was analyzed using SPSS [Windows version 11.00]. Respondents (n=88), female 52%, mean 24yrs (S.D.2.0.), 68 (78%) final yr and 20 (22%) interns. 9% had attended EBD workshops, 30% claimed to use EBD. There was no difference between those who had/had not attended a workshop and asserted they were practicing EBD (p=0.702). 15% selected ‘patient’s choice’. 36% stated that only10-25% patients were ‘capable’, 73.8% agreed patients were ‘willing’ participants in decision-making. Major barriers were “no time” (26.1%), “no access” (46.6%). 28.4% agreed EBD is culturally ‘inapplicable’. EBD is not currently part of many undergraduate curricula but a minority of respondents were aware of the concept and a few had attended a course. A large number claimed to be using EBD but the results reveal an incomplete understanding as the majority did not consider patients’ values a component of EBD. A substantial percentage considered EBD inapplicable to their culture.