From bench-top to chair-side: how scientific evidence is incorporated into clinical practice.

Objectives: The objective of this manuscript is to describe the process through which bench-top research is incorporated into clinical practice from an evidence-based dentistry perspective.

Methods: Relevant literature is reviewed to describe the translation of bench-top research to clinical practice through the steps of preclinical testing; human clinical trials; systematic review development (question development, search/screen methods, evidence synthesis, and evidence appraisal); clinical recommendation development; dissemination strategies; the role of the clinician in finding and appraising relevant evidence; barriers to implementation with strategies to overcome those barriers; and finally, the fusion of evidence with clinician experience and patient needs and preferences in clinical decision-making.

Significance: Descriptions of processes, methodologies, tools, and resources are provided to help researchers and clinicians alike understand the steps that lie between bench-top research and clinical implementation. With mutual understanding of the complexity involved in translating research into practice, it is hoped that barriers to implementation can be overcome that should lead to improved patient health outcomes.