Something to Smile About: Librarian Support for Evidence-Based Dentistry

Abstract

Purpose: This poster examines the impact of librarian-led faculty development in research methods as a component of the Dental Education (CDE) Certificate Program in Contemporary Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry level III course.

Setting/Participants/Resources: The Certificate Program in Contemporary Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry is a three-part CDE course for dental practitioners who are interested in increasing their knowledge of esthetic dentistry. The third level of this series involves conducting research and writing a paper on a topic in restorative or esthetic dentistry.

Description: Librarians have been invited instructors in this course and presented on searching the literature and finding evidence since 2013. In 2018, the role of librarians expanded to instructing about the publication process and understanding the structure and design of a research paper. The librarians developed and delivered a course on how to write and critically appraise a research paper for dental practitioners who were new to research.

Outcomes: This poster outlines the opportunities for librarians to engage with new researchers about the research process and how to write a research paper. It presents ideas for engaging with practitioners who are new to research.

Evaluation: Feedback from former participants has referred to the program as “a turning point for me professionally” and noted that “it got me outside of my comfort zone.”