Awareness of Dental Students About Evidence-Based Medicine

OpenAlex English

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate dental students' awareness, knowledge, and behaviors regarding evidence-based medicine (EBM), including their use of scientific databases and experience with critical appraisal and research activities. Material and Methods: A total of 274 dentistry students in their 3rd, 4th and 5th years participated in this survey. Data were collected via a questionnaire distributed through Google Forms. The questionnaire covered demographic data and knowledge/attitudes toward EBM. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, and trend analysis, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: While 56.6% of students had heard of EBM, only 4.7% had received formal EBM training. A significant proportion (62.8%) expressed a desire to learn more about EBM. The rate of students knowing how to conduct a literature review was 32.5%, and only 20.8% had previously performed one. Meta-analysis was correctly identified as the highest level of evidence by 20.8% of participants. Significant grade-level trends were observed: higher-grade students showed increased use of systematic reviews, expert opinions, and textbooks, while reliance on lecture notes decreased (p < 0.001). PubMed awareness decreased with grade level (p < 0.001), while Medline and ULAKBIM usage increased. Students in higher grades also showed significantly higher participation in research and critical appraisal activities (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Awareness and understanding of EBM among dental students are limited, particularly in earlier academic years. Incorporating structured EBM training into the dental curriculum may improve students' ability to engage with high-quality scientific evidence, promote the use of reliable databases, and support better clinical decision-making in their future practice.