This was a cross-sectional study done in Lagos, Nigeria on 114 dentists. The aim of
the study was to describe the knowledge and attitudes of dentists towards the concept
of evidence-based dentistry (EBD). This study also attempted to create an awareness
of this concept in the minds of previously uninformed dentists as well as demonstrate
its need in continuous professional education via seminars, updates, lectures and
short-term courses in Lagos, Nigeria.

Majority of the respondents were female aged between 25 and 40 years. Seventy-three
percent of these respondents were in general practice with about two-thirds of all
respondents having been in practice for less than 10 years. Although more than two
thirds of these respondents reported being aware of the concept of evidence-based
dentistry (EBD), only about half chose the correct definition. However, more than
half of the respondents agreed that this was an important concept in practice. In
addition, more than two-thirds of the respondents that were aware of this concept
reported changing their practice at one time or the other as a result of reading
evidence based research articles.
Perceived barriers by respondents to the use of evidence-based dentistry include
having inadequate knowledge or awareness on its concepts, lack of relevant materials
and equipment, inadequate training opportunities and having insufficient time due to
busy clinical practices. The conclusion is that most of these dentists were actually
unaware of the concept of evidence-based dentistry.