Course Information
Date: 20/10/2026
Start Time: 09:30
Completion Time: 6 Hours
Venue: NIMDTA, 42 Beechill Road,Belfast, BT8 7RL
Speakers: Professor Ikhlas Elkarim & Professor Mike Clarke
Course Description
This interactive workshop provides Dental Core Trainees with an introduction to research methods and evidence-based dentistry. It explores how high-quality research underpins modern dental practice, supports clinical decision-making, and contributes to improved patient care and outcomes. Participants will gain an understanding of key research concepts, common study designs, and the principles of critically evaluating evidence.
Through practical examples and discussion, trainees will learn how to formulate clinical questions, identify the most appropriate research approaches to address them, and understand the role of systematic reviews in synthesising evidence. The workshop will also examine how research findings are translated into clinical guidelines and everyday practice, helping clinicians provide care that is informed by the best available evidence.
By the end of the session, participants will have greater confidence in interpreting dental research, applying evidence-based principles to clinical decision-making, and recognising the value of research in advancing patient care and the dental profession. The workshop aims to encourage continued engagement with research and lifelong evidence-based practice throughout participants’ careers.
Course Aims
To introduce Dental Core Trainees to research and evidence-based dentistry, and to develop their understanding of how research contributes to improved patient care, clinical decision-making, and the advancement of dental practice.
Course Objectives
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the importance of research in dentistry and patient care.
- Describe common research study designs and their applications.
- Select an appropriate study design to answer a clinical research question.
- Apply basic principles of evidence-based practice when evaluating research.
- Understand the purpose, process, and value of systematic reviews.
- Recognise how research evidence is translated into clinical practice and guidelines.
Course Learning Outcomes
Following the workshop, participants should be able to:
- Feel motivated and better equipped to engage with research and evidence-based practice throughout their careers.
- Critically interpret different types of dental research.
- Match clinical questions to appropriate study designs.
- Understand the role of systematic reviews in informing clinical decisions.
- Appreciate the contribution of research to improving patient outcomes.
GDC Development Outcomes
- D
Resources
Dietary Requirements
Please advise the Dental Continuing Education Team dentalfoundation.nimdta@hscni.net if you have any dietary requirements.