Evidence-based decision making: Guide to reading the dental materials literature

Although potential links between materials data and clinical behavior are often implied, the status of such linkage is often left obscure. This paper provides clinicians a context within which to view materials information as evidence for clinical indications and to broaden readers' appreciation for the subject. Hierarchies of both clinical and nonclinical data are presented and discussed from the point of view of their predictive potential regarding clinical performance. Excellent sources of information are identified for the clinician making treatment decisions, and perspectives are offered on the value of other published materials data.