Understanding the Evidence-Medicine Connection
“”Evidence-based medicine is basically giving a framework for making clinical decisions based on evidence that’s there or not there, and that’s an important distinction”
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What makes his perspective particularly valuable is his recognition that after 21 years of study including dental school and a Bachelor of Science degree he still didn’t truly understand how to analyse scientific literature until his Oxford training.
This knowledge gap isn’t unique to Dr Lewis. During his Oxford programme, he studied alongside neurosurgeons, oncologists, cardiologists, and public health experts all of whom admitted they had received minimal training in rigorously analysing research data during their professional education.
Reference-Based vs Evidence-Based: A Critical Distinction
Dr Lewis highlights a crucial difference many practitioners miss: “If I have an idea of what I want to say or do or promote, then I’m going to trawl the evidence and find a reference that supports my point of view. That is not the way to do science and practice.”
True evidence-based practice requires:
- Starting with a clear question
- Systematically reviewing all available research
- Critically analysing study quality and methodology
- Making informed decisions based on the totality of evidence
- Acknowledging limitations and uncertainties
What Our Holistic Approach Offers
At Sydney Holistic Dental Centre, Dr Lewis’ advanced training in evidence-based medicine enhances our commitment to:
Individualised Care: Understanding that what works for one patient may not work for another, we consider your unique health picture, lifestyle, and circumstances.
Transparent Communication: Rather than making absolute statements about evidence, we discuss the quality and limitations of available research with our patients.
Collaborative Decision-Making: We empower patients with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their oral health and overall wellbeing.
The SHDC Difference: Evidence-Informed Holistic Care
Dr Lewis’ Oxford training reinforces our practice’s foundational principles:
Holistic Integration: We consider how oral health research connects with broader health outcomes, breathing patterns, sleep quality, nutrition, and stress management.
Patient Empowerment: We provide you with the knowledge and context to make informed decisions about your health care.
Ongoing Learning: We stay current with research developments while maintaining healthy scepticism about overly simplistic claims.
