Ignoring Evidence Based Practice

Evidence based practice.  It is a term that is drilled into us as a nurse.  Everything we do is supposed to be based on evidence.  It is an anathema when a medicine or procedure is done without indication.  We can be convinced to change practice upon conversation with patient.   For example: the patient has the right to refuse care or take a less invasive approach if it is safe.

Ars Technica and New York Times have been reporting on practice of dentists and some highly recommended practices.  In particular, every six month cleanings and routine dental x-rays have little evidence supporting their frequency.   There are reasons to deviate from guidelines, but they are the exception and not the rule.  The excess of dental x-rays actually causes dentists to miss more dental issues. 

It is likely done for monetary reasons, but it harms the overall practice of medicine.   It creates distrust between practitioners and patients.  Also, it likely increases costs and demand for dental care.  There definitely need to be some more randomized control studies.

Credit to Ars Technica and New York Times for the stories. Credit to ChatGPT for image.