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Book Review Dave Bridges, RDH

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by Dr. Ben Goldacre
reviewed by Dave Bridges, RDH

Ben is a brother, one of us. A proper sharp-end clinician. He's a full-time doctor in the real world, working in the U.K.'s publically funded National Health Service (NHS). Another string to his bow is the writing of a weekly column in The Guardian national newspaper called "Bad Science." His specialty is deconstructing the sophisticated webs of intrigue surrounding so-called scientists, mystics, spiritualists and downright charlatans. He uses critical analysis of the accepted literature, together with that supplied by the subjects, and blows huge holes in the snake oil peddlers' arguments in a most logical, pragmatic and disarmingly clear manner. He has a fine pedigree – an Oxford University medical graduate, holder of two Master's degrees, with a professor of public health for a father.

The book, Bad Science is a very funny (or, in some places, would be if it wasn't so true), yet scientifically accurate primer in how to read a paper and evaluate its validity. Goldacre said himself in an interview:

"One of the central themes in my book is that there are no real differences between the $600 billion pharmaceutical industry and the $50 billion food supplement pill industry. Quacks and big pharma both use exactly the same tricks of the trade to sell their pills."
Each chapter of the book takes a contemporary, usually well-known medical and scientific "truth" or urban myth. Goldacre presents the argument or proof such as it is together with a potted history on how we got to where we are today. He then goes on to get beneath the veneer of truth to the real nub of the issue using the recurring theme of the fair trial.

The structure of the book is very clever. Goldacre has put it together in such a way that each chapter tells a discrete story. In dealing with the science for the story, a particular technique or concept of critical analysis is introduced, explained and used. So we are provided with a gentle, fun and effective teaching course that builds in complexity as we progress through it. From simple concepts such as blinding and controls in studies through to others, such as placebo, risk, statistics and randomization. We even learn of the cultural aspects of medicine and how these can alter the efficacy of treatments and interventions.

Goldacre reserves special attention for homeopaths. This particular practice comes in for some hilarious scrutiny. All the more funny when you are told that some remedies are of such a low concentration as to contain no molecules of the supposed active ingredient. A typical remedy has one part per 1x1060 (A so-termed "30C" dilution). Goldacre tells us that's the equivalent of one molecule of ingredient in a sphere of water with the earth at its center that stretches to the sun – not going to be much of a trace in a 50ml bottle! Not content with destroying the argument before we really start with that sort of logic, we are then taken for an amusing romp through the literature for and against and left with the certain conclusion that homeopathy is no better than placebo.

Later, we are introduced to the value of meta-studies such as those done by the Cochrane Collaboration. These meta-studies give us the highest order of evidence regarding a studied subject. They have been used to prove important, surprising and counter-intuitive conclusions. The logo of the Collaboration represents the results of one of its major landmark studies that caused an accepted intervention in the treatment of pregnant women to be abandoned, saving babies' lives. This story, on its own, gives us an insight into the value of properly constructed trials, together with systematic analysis of the results and conclusions obtained.

With chapters on how we are misled by ourselves, let alone by others, health scares and a comprehensive analysis of the U.K.'s measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) inoculation hoax, this book is a brilliant, absorbing read. Clever, poignant and frequently laugh-out-loud funny, it will also make you gasp with incredulity at the antics and wheezes employed by the industries examined. The information is presented clearly and is an easy read. There is a wealth of references and links to further reading – crucial, as your appetite will have been well and truly whetted.

By the end, you'll be able to look at research literature in a new light. You might even re-examine some of your own sacred cows. You'll feel ready to tackle any representative that dares enter your room with a sheaf of papers to prove the worth of the latest dental must-have product. You'll feel able to ask some relevant and awkward questions. In fact you might even feel like phoning them for an appointment!
Author’s Bio
Dave Bridges, RDH, served for nine years in the Royal Air Force, originally working as an Aircraft Engineer. After five years, an injury forced retraining and after a brief spell as a Dental Surgery Assistant, he qualified as a dental hygienist in 1987.

In addition to working in full-time practice at Clarence House Dental Health Centre in Gloucester, UK, Dave runs an MID Web site – www.dentalvillage.co.uk – with his friend and colleague, Tim Ives RDH. Dave and Tim have written articles and have lectured around the UK on Caries Management By Risk Assessment [CAMBRA]. They are passionate about promoting CAMBRA as a tool for everyday practice.
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September 2025
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