Learning Objectives: 

• Define evidence-based dentistry (EBD) and standard of care, and explain the key differences between them.
• Identify sources of reliable evidence-based literature for dentistry and rank them based on credibility.
• Evaluate research findings and apply them effectively to clinical dental hygiene practices.
• Explore the standard of care for common dental hygiene procedures, supported by current literature. 5. Develop strategies to integrate and share evidence-based practices with dental office teams.

How many times have you been told that planning the root glassy smooth is still the standard of care or that ultrasonics outperform hand instruments? Are fluoride alternatives genuinely as effective as traditional fluoride treatments, or is that just something you've heard? And what about manual toothbrushes—are they still holding their own, or have they been rendered obsolete by the rise of electric brushes? Who decides what’s right—your instructor, a trusted piece of scientific research, or your own clinical experience? Is your practice grounded in evidence-based care or are you stuck following outdated guidelines, or relying on guesswork?

With the rise of social media and private online groups, oral health care professionals are increasingly turning to these platforms for advice and answers. Many share their opinions with absolute conviction, confidently claiming "evidence shows" or "this is the standard of care." But how often do we pause to ask—does the science actually back these claims?

This course will challenge these assumptions as we explore the critical role of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) in dental hygiene. You’ll learn how to implement EBD principles in your practice, effectively share scientifically supported findings with your team, and stay informed as new discoveries reshape dental care. By the end of this course, you’ll have the tools to critically evaluate clinical recommendations and integrate proven, patient-centered strategies into your everyday care.