A practical approach to evidence-based dentistry: IX How to appraise and use an article about economic analysis

Abstract

Background and Overview. In everyday practice, dentists face clinical decisions for which they need to consider both treatment consequences (that is, benefits and harms) and costs. Economic analysis is a study design in which investigators evaluate and compare the costs and consequences of different treatment alternatives within a defined period. A critical appraisal of such studies includes an assessment of the risk of bias, results, and applicability of the study. The authors provide the concepts and guidelines that dentists can apply to critically appraise economic analyses.