Objective To investigate problems in applying clinical epidemiology and evidence-based medicine in the field of dentistry in China. Method In early April of 2001, about 200 copies of a questionnaire were sent to chief editors of dental journals, directors and famous experts of the university dental schools and/or dental departments of the provincial/metropolitan hospitals located in the mainland of China. The sent back questionnaires were summarized and analysized. Results At the end of June, 2001, 40 replies from the experts of 12 universities and one metropolitan dental hospital were received. The main points are summarized as following: EBM in China is at starting stage of "anti-illiteracy" campaign. There are 6 out of 12 universities having delivered clinical epidemiology courses to postgraduates (2 to undergraduates), only 3 added lectures on evidence-based medicine to dental students and/or professionals, only one university held intensive training courses on EBM to clinicians. In dental practice there are still scram dentists making decisions simply by experiences. In the research practice some dentists are eager for quick success, and instant benefits, ignoring, scientific design aid quality control of the studies. Randomized controlled clinical trials are seldom appeared in Chinese dental journals. To popularize EBM in all dental clinicians is important for them to use and produce the best evidences. Conclusions EBM in dental field of China is at starling stage. Collection and dissemination of best dental evidences in dental professionals is a key to raise the dental care levels in China.
Cancer prevention and control is an important healthcare task towards major diseases of the Chinese people and an important part of the “Healthy China 2030” plan outline. This article summarizes and introduces the current status and practical experience of subnational cancer prevention and treatment status in Yibin City and Ya’an City of Sichuan Province. Lung cancer, digestive system cancers, and cervical and breast cancers compose of the majority of cancers with high incidence. In the aspect of cancer epidemiology, there are certain disparities among cities and between urban and rural areas, among which the mortality risk of cancer in rural areas is higher. In Yibin and Ya’an cities, the specialized agencies and governance system for subnational cancer prevention and control are still in the early stage of development, and the background data such as cancer-specific survival rate, public awareness of core knowledge on cancer prevention and control, quality control of key techniques, and healthcare resources in subnational areas are still unclear. Therefore, all levels of cancer prevention and control need further strengthening the organizational leadership and system construction, and promoting the hierarchic healthcare and balanced development.