Critical appraisal skills teaching in UK dental schools

Key publications on training in dentistry, including the latest version of the General Dental Council learning outcomes for dentists, recognise the importance of teaching evidence-based practice for dental students. However, dental curriculum designers have considerable flexibility on the scope and approach for teaching evidence-based dentistry (EBD) and there is no readily available information showing how EBD is taught across the dental schools in the United Kingdom (UK). Critical appraisal is one of the key steps of evidence-based decision making and so we investigated through an electronic survey whether and how critical appraisal skills (CAS) are taught and assessed across the UK dental schools. The survey included questions regarding teaching methods, duration and timing of CAS teaching, and assessment methods. Twelve out of the total 16 UK dental schools participated in this survey, giving an institutional response rate of 75%. While all 12 participating UK dental schools reported CAS were taught and assessed in their institution, there were very varied approaches between institutions in every surveyed aspect of CAS education. CAS teaching and assessment strategies should be regularly reviewed in line with the evolving dental curriculum. Regular inter- and intra-institutional review of teaching, specifically in evidence-based dentistry including CAS may encourage professional debate regarding facilitation of improved CAS and their integration into clinical practice.