An overview of evidence-based dentistry research.

If the charge of EBD is to help dentists understand the rationale for the things they do and why they do them [2], then EBD “research data” must include cost analysis input from practicing dentists. I am a practicing dentist and the motivation to write this paper is to discuss information that will affect EBD relative to the cost(s) of service(s). Unlike medical care, and I will talk about this in more detail later, dental care remains an elective service and as such, patients will have, and must continue to have the option to choose their dental treatment based on their own priorities.