For many dentists, staying up-to-date with clinical research feels out of reach. The time it takes for new findings to influence real-world care can span nearly two decades. Yet, staying current isn’t optional anymore—patients expect the best, and the science moves fast.
This is where evidence-based dentistry (EBD) shines. By grounding decisions in the latest research, EBD transforms treatment planning and long-term outcomes. And when it comes to EBD in dentistry, few names carry more weight than Dr. John Kois and the Kois Center.
In this article, we’ll explore how Kois protocols apply EBD frameworks to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce complications, and enhance patient satisfaction—all within a systemized, repeatable model that clinics can adopt with confidence.
What Is Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD)?
EBD is the intersection of scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences. It shifts dentistry from tradition-based habits to decisions guided by research. This approach helps clinicians avoid outdated or anecdotal methods and instead rely on published, peer-reviewed literature to guide care.
Foundational frameworks include:
- PICO: Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome. This structure helps clinicians form focused clinical questions and guide literature searches.
- The 5 A’s: Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess. These steps build a repeatable process for using evidence in clinical decision-making.
These models help clinicians frame questions, find relevant data, critically evaluate studies, and apply findings to daily practice.
The Kois Approach to EBD
The Kois Center builds on EBD frameworks by introducing four core risk categories:
- Biomechanical: Tooth structure and breakdown risk
- Periodontal: Gum health and inflammation risk
- Functional: Bite alignment and parafunction
- Aesthetic: Smile design and cosmetic goals
This structured approach ensures clinicians consider foundational health risks before addressing cosmetic concerns, which helps prevent premature failure or complications. Kois-trained dentists are taught to prioritize long-term success over short-term fixes.
Graduates of the nine-course Kois curriculum, who pass rigorous testing and case evaluations, may become Kois Mentors—leaders and educators in the Kois philosophy. The curriculum is grounded in independent research and regularly updated with new evidence and protocols.
Linking EBD to Better Outcomes
1. Improved Diagnostic Accuracy
Systematic evaluation using risk-based protocols and technology like CBCT, intraoral cameras, and digital bite analysis helps detect issues earlier, guiding proactive intervention. For example, when biomechanical risk is identified early, clinicians can recommend less invasive procedures before structural failure occurs.
2. Optimized Treatment Planning
Kois protocols help standardize treatment planning by assessing the root causes of dental issues—like occlusal instability—before suggesting cosmetic or restorative work. This reduces the risk of symptom recurrence or expensive retreatments. With consistent workflows, teams can deliver more reliable patient experiences.
3. Enhanced Procedural Success
The Kois Center conducts its own research and continuously updates its curriculum, incorporating the latest findings into material selection and procedural methods. Using current best practices improves durability, lowers the need for revisions, and improves confidence across the dental team.
4. Truly Patient-Centered Care
EBD promotes biologically respectful treatments tailored to patient-specific risk profiles. For example, choosing minimally invasive techniques, delaying procedures in high-risk patients, or using computer-assisted anesthesia contributes to better comfort, reduced inflammation, and a more positive reputation for the clinic.
How to Bring EBD Into Your Clinic
Successfully implementing EBD takes more than a single course. It involves creating a learning culture and embedding EBD into your clinic’s daily operations.
- Train with the Kois Center: Structured programs ensure deep understanding of evidence-based risk assessment and planning.
- Standardize protocols: Use tools like Oryx’s Clinical Management Module that align with Kois principles to streamline diagnostic and treatment planning.
- Monitor performance: Track KPIs such as treatment success rates, retreatments, and patient satisfaction using integrated dental software like Oryx’s Practice Management Module.
- Promote shared decision-making: Engage patients with visualizations, risk scores, and science-backed recommendations to increase case acceptance.
Incorporating tools like Oryx helps automate risk assessments, document clinical reasoning, and ensure every treatment recommendation is backed by evidence.
Barriers and Solutions
- Challenge: Staff resistance or lack of time
- Solution: Start with short EBD modules or delegate a champion to lead adoption. Highlight case studies showing reduced retreatments.
- Challenge: Budget constraints
- Solution: Prioritize high-ROI tools, pursue continuing education subsidies, or attend Kois-sponsored events.
- Challenge: Measuring effectiveness
Solution: Use dashboards to analyze clinical data, conduct peer reviews, and use patient satisfaction surveys to monitor progress.
Conclusion: Let the Evidence Speak
Integrating Kois protocols isn’t just a clinical upgrade—it’s a strategic advantage. It reduces variability, improves care quality, and boosts patient confidence. With tools like Oryx and guidance from Kois, clinics can finally operationalize evidence-based dentistry and set a new standard in care.
CTA: Learn how Oryx helps dentists adopt Kois protocols with built-in clinical workflows and automated risk assessments. Book a demo →
