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of the dental team who strive to translate evidence for their clinical decision making. The use of professional study groups composed of dentists and dental hygienists could help bridge the gap between research and practice. Oral health topics and clinical questions could be explored at monthly meetings. In this forum, all three com-ponents of the EBDM process could be considered. For example, routine treatment strategies and product recommendations could be reviewed to determine if they are supported by current evidence, and then followed by discussion related to clinicians’ judgments and patient preferences. Conclusions Health care professionals are inundated with new research ¿ ndings and health information on a constant basis. Staying current in a world of constant innovation can be challenging; however, online resources can assist dental hygienists as they search for evidence to incorporate into their clinical decision making. Having a basic understanding of the research designs that make up the levels of evidence hierarchy is important, as dental hygienists appraise the literature. Creating an evidence-based dental practice atmosphere that values continual learn-ing, and new advances and research ¿ ndings is essential. Patient care is most comprehensive if practitioners incorporate all three components of the EBDM process into patient care. 2. About EBD. American Dental Association’s Center for Evidence-Based Den-tistry, 2012. Available at: ebd.ada.org/about.aspx. 3. Bylaws/code of ethics. American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 2011. Available at: www.adha.org/downloads/ADHA-Bylaws-Code-of-Ethics.pdf. 4. Lusardi MM, Levangie PK, Fein PD. A problem-based learning approach to facilitate evidence-based practice in entry-level health professional educa-tion. J Prosthet Orthot. 2002; 14(2): 40-50. 5. Evidence-based dentistry—evidence-based practice in the health sciences, 2011. Available at: ebp.lib.uic.edu/dentistry/. 6. Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Levels of evidence and grades of recommendation, 2009. Available at: www.cebm.net/?o 1025. 7. Gehlbach SH. Interpreting the medical literature, 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1993. 8. Forrest JL. Evidence-based decision making: introduction and formulating good clinical questions, 2012. Available at: www.dentalcare.com/en-US/ dental-education/continuing-education/ce311/ce311.aspx. References 1. “Research.” Merriam-Webster, 2012. Available at: Merriam-Webster.com. Accessed Jan 2, 2012. Kathryn Battani, RDH, MS, received both her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Dental Hygiene from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She is currently assistant professor and director of the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program in the Department of Peri-odontics at the University of Maryland-School of Dentistry. She teaches undergraduate and graduate-level research courses and advises graduate students with their thesis research studies. Battani also teaches clinically in the undergraduate dental hygiene program. She has been a lifetime member of the ADHA and has served in leadership roles at both the constitu-ent and component levels. ■ FIGHT EVIL PLAQUE WITH THE FORCE MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH LIGHTSABER TOOTHBRUSH ™ ® ™ š Dome Trim ® Bristle Design: Clinically proven to clean below the gumline * š.KIJVUCDGT ™  HNCUJGUHQT 1 minute to encourage longer brushing ** POWER TOOTHBRUSH š +PVGTFGPVCN trim bristles align with the  KPVGTFGPVCN arch to gently remove plaque between teeth. 4030P š5QHV oscillating bristles massage gums š$WKNVKP suction cup 4010P 4020P Available for Order NOW! Call Sunstar at 1-800-528-8537 or visit GUMbrand.com *Bentley CD, Disney JA: A comparison of partial and fu l mouthscoring of plaque and gingivitis in oral hygiene studies J Clin Periodontol 1995; 22: 131-135. **1 minute flashing = 1 minute max llary and 1 minute mandibular brushing. ©2012 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. ©2012 Sunstar Americas, Inc. P12038 access MAR 2012 17