Presented by: Emilie White, RDH

From Guesswork to Guidelines: Applying Evidence-Based Decision-Making into Your Practice

CE Hours: 4 (Online)

Online Dates:

Part 1: Sunday, November 22nd, 2026 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST

Part 2: Sunday, November 29th, 2026 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST

Course Description:

This course offers a practical and accessible introduction to evidence-based practice (EBP) and evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) for dental hygienists. Designed to support everyday clinical decision-making, it focuses on how to effectively combine the best available scientific evidence with professional experience, clinical circumstances, and individual patient needs.

Participants will learn how to frame clear clinical questions and use them to conduct computerized searches for relevant scientific literature. The course emphasizes the ability to distinguish strong, high-quality sources from weaker or less reliable ones and to apply findings in ways that enhance patient care.

This course will address common challenges dental hygienists face when applying EBP in a fast-paced practice setting and introduces the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting evidence-based clinical decisions. No prior research experience is required—just a desire to improve care through informed, confident choices that align with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario’s standards of practice.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Define evidence-based practice (EBP) and evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) and explain their significance in dental hygiene care.
Formulate well-structured clinical questions using the PICO framework.
Identify and use appropriate online databases and research tools to access scientific literature relevant to dental hygiene.
Describe the hierarchy of evidence and assess the quality and relevance of different research types.
Understand and utilize evidence summaries and critical appraisal tools to evaluate the strength of available research.
Apply critical appraisal skills to evaluate the validity, reliability, and potential bias in scientific literature.
Integrate research evidence with clinical expertise, clinical circumstances and patient values to support sound clinical decision-making.
Recognize and address common barriers to implementing EBP in dental hygiene practice.
Analyze the impact of AI in EBP, including its benefits, risks, and the dental hygienist’s role in supporting informed client choices.
Demonstrate the ability to engage in reflective, evidence-informed discussions and decisions within a clinical context.

Recordings

We encourage you to join us live whenever possible so you can participate in the discussion, ask questions and enjoy the full learning experience.

All sessions are recorded and automatically uploaded to your rdhu Members Portal within 2–3 business days—there is no need to request access. You will receive immediate access to the course materials and portal, where the recording, post-test quiz and certificate will be available following the course. Recordings remain available for 30 days after they are uploaded.