DRC Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

In a systematic review on dental radiographic techniques, which step is performed FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Formulating a focused clinical question

Answer

A focused clinical question (often using PICO format) must be defined before any other step in a systematic review.

Question 2

A dental hygienist reads that a new digital sensor reduces patient dose by 40%. Which parameter is MOST important to evaluate the clinical significance of this finding?

Accepted Answer

The effect size and confidence interval

Answer

Effect size paired with a confidence interval tells the clinician how large and how precise the reported difference actually is.

Question 3

Which type of bias occurs when radiographic studies with positive findings are more likely to be published than those with negative results?

Accepted Answer

Publication bias

Answer

Publication bias skews the literature toward positive outcomes because negative or null results are less frequently submitted or accepted for publication.

Question 4

A researcher uses a funnel plot to assess a meta-analysis on radiographic caries detection. An asymmetric funnel plot most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Publication bias or small-study effects

Answer

Asymmetry in a funnel plot is a common indicator of publication bias or systematic differences related to study size.

Question 5

When applying EBP to radiographic selection criteria, the term 'external validity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

How well study results can be generalized to other patient populations

Answer

External validity (generalizability) describes how applicable research findings are to patients beyond the specific study sample.

(DRC) Dental Radiology Certification for Dental Hygienist Practice Test

(DRC) Dental Radiology Certification for Dental Hygienist Practice Test

DRC Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2