Is the evidence supporting dental procedures strong? A survey of Cochrane systematic reviews in oral health.

Author: Faggion CM Jr.

Source: J Evid Based Dent Pract.

Year: 2012

Comment:

The researchers conclude, "On the basis of CSRs, the overall quality of evidence can be regarded as low or nonexistent for most of the dental procedures assessed. The information reported may guide future research."

Abstract / Excerpt:

“METHOD:

All Cochrane systematic reviews (CSR) published in dentistry were surveyed. The authors’ conclusions about the quality of evidence supporting a specific clinical treatment were used as the measure of outcome. The evidence was considered adequate if the authors did not clearly state the evidence was weak in the conclusions while also suggesting some evidence of the effectiveness of the therapy.

RESULTS:
Of 120 CSRs assessed, in only 26 (22.0% of the reviews) was the quality of evidence regarded as adequate for supporting clinical decisions, although some methodological limitations were identified in the full text of these reviews. Moreover, the authors of most reviews reported weak or unavailable evidence.”

Citation:

Faggion CM. Is the evidence supporting dental procedures strong? A survey of Cochrane systematic reviews in oral health. J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2012;12(3):131-134.e14.