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DHYG 2201: Supporting Evidence-Based Practice / Literature Review

This guide was created for Murphy's DHYG 2201 class; Fall 2025.

What is a Scholarly Resource?

A scholarly resource (also known as a peer-reviewed, refereed, or academic resource) is a type of research source that is written by experts in a particular field. The resource must go through a rigorous process of review by other experts in the field before publication. The scholarly article—which is generally found through a research database—is the preferred scholarly resource for this assignment. You can learn more about scholarly articles below.

 

The peer review process is a procedure that involves experts in a field evaluating the work of their peers (other researchers) to assess its validity, originality, and significance before publication. This process helps ensure the reliability and integrity of any published works you come across in your search!


 

What is a Research Study?

A research study is an investigation conducted to discover (or update) facts and theories. It involves gathering and analyzing information to increase understanding of a specific topic or issue. Below is a model of the many types of studies there are!

National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools. (n.d.). "Algorithm for Classifying the Study Design of Primary Studies."
Retrieved from https://www.nccmt.ca/tools/study-design-algorithm?utm_source=nccmt&utm_medium=use_it_with&utm_campaign=registry_additional_resources


We will focus on the kinds of research being conducted in these studies: quantitative and qualitative research.

Check out the research studies below. Which ones are qualitative? Which ones are qualitative?

  • Understanding barriers and facilitators to regular dental hygiene practices among specific populations (e.g., children, older adults) 
  • Exploring patients' perceptions of their oral health and dental hygiene routines 
  • Investigating dental hygienists' experiences with specific clinical procedures or patient interactions 
  • Examining the impact of sociocultural factors on oral health behaviors 
  • Assessing the effectiveness of oral health education programs from the patient perspective 
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of a new toothbrush design on plaque removal 
  • Comparing the oral hygiene practices of different age groups 
  • Investigating the association between smoking and periodontal disease 
  • Assessing the impact of a community oral health education program on dental caries rates 

For even more practice identifying qualitative and quantitative research, check out this dental hygiene guide, courtesy of West Virginia University, HERE.

Check out the links below. Which ones are research studies? Which ones aren't?
Bonus questions...which ones are qualitative and which ones are quantitative?

The PICO method is a framework used to formulate focused clinical questions, particularly in evidence-based practice and research. The method breaks down a clinical question into four key components:




Patient / Problem

Intervention

Comparison and

Outcome.

Check out the patient profile below.

Photo of male patient A 48 year old salesman presents to your office for his recare appointment. He is scheduled for a 4 month recare appointment but due to his busy work schedule he is two months late. While talking with him you learn that he is diabetic type II. He frequently uses breath mints. He is away from home approximately 3-4 days a week. He eats out often. He knows his smile and breath are important for his job. He admits with his busy schedule that he doesn’t always brush twice a day. His periodontal chart reveals that he has generalized 4mm pockets with moderate bleeding. His fasting blood glucose level is <160.

You know there is a relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes. You would like to share with him the evidence supporting this relationship.



Search MEDLINE/PubMed via PICO with Spelling Checker
***To search the full version of PubMed directly, go to https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

REMEMBER: PICO--Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome

Patient / Problem:

(therapy, diagnostic test, etc.)

(optional)

(optional)


 

Subjects: Health Occupations
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