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Thursday 27 April 2017

Database Review by Library PTS (Part Time Student Librarian) - Using Advanced Search Through Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source (Ebscohost Database)


http://search.ebscohost.com.ezp.imu.edu.my/Community.aspx
 Click the logo to access the database


1.   Which feature(s) I like the most about the database?
The feature that I am most fond of is its advanced search capability. The advanced search tool allows an immediate narrowing down of relevant articles among the pool of articles available to date. This is accomplished readily by inserting key words that you want to include in the articles you are looking for; as well as keywords you might want to exclude from the articles you are looking for. An example is illustrated below, where I want to look for articles pertaining to retention of mandibular complete dentures with dental implants. Since retention, mandibular complete dentures, and dental implants are all keywords, I will include them in my search. On the other hand, I am not currently interested in articles revolving around the maxillary arch, hence I will put ‘maxillary’ as my exclusion criteria.

Keywords used

   
As seen above, there are only 14 articles that match all my inclusion and exclusion criteria, simplifying the search process considerably.

2.   Has the database benefit you in your learning process?
Yes, absolutely. Evidence-based practice is the norm nowadays. Our own clinical practice is guided by clinical practice guidelines, which themselves are developed in accordance to results of well-designed research studies. Hence, the ability to access the latest research studies forms an integral part of our continuous learning, and this database provides us with the tool to do so in a simple and effective way. With Ebscohost Dentistry and Oral Science Source database, all the researches, irrespective of strength of recommendation, ranging from case reports all the way up to systematic reviews and meta-analysis, are within arm’s reach. Not only is it a good reference tool to the latest development in dentistry that might not be updated in the textbooks yet, but this database is your best friend when it comes to the Special Study Module, where all articles related to your chosen topic can be located.

3.   Does the database suit you or any other programs and why?
Of course, being a database that collates articles related to dentistry, it is catered specifically to Dentistry students and lecturers alike. These articles are meant to be extension/ improvements/ arguments/ new developments of the current standard of practice as we know it, hence students from other courses will have a steeper learning curve. Hence, this database is best reserved for dentistry students that are in an advanced stage of their undergraduate studies. For this group of students, this database can be a very powerful learning tool, because the textbooks in library might not be the latest edition, hence depending solely on books for knowledge might be insufficient.

4.   Would you recommend this database to your colleagues and why?
Yes, I highly recommend this database to my colleague from the same year (year 5), as well my juniors in year 3 and 4 of their dentistry course. Year 1 and 2 students will be getting acquainted to the ideology behind evidence-based dentistry so they can catch on later. For year 3 up to year 5 dentistry students however, this database can be a useful adjunct that reinforce contemporary clinical practice methods, enhance knowledge in dentistry curriculum, and an aid to our own research study that will be conducted primarily in year 4. What’s more, this database in readily available online, so you will only need a mobile phone and acceptable internet connection to get your learning going.

Reviewer’s name: Ho Jan Yang

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