Estimating MEDLINE's identification of randomized control trials in pediatric dentistry

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the number of randomized controlled trials in children from 1990-2000 in seven dental disciplines. Sensitive and specific MEDLINE search methodologies were used for upper and lower estimates, capture-recapture corrected those estimates, and hand evaluation refined the estimates. The data indicate that between 602 and 1737 trials were published, and the number per year doubled from 1990 to 2000. These results have implications for clinical decision making, the development of systematic reviews, insurance reimbursement, and teaching.

Caries management: technical solutions to biological problems or evidence‐based care?

“…We should be realistic and acknowledge that the task of acquiring and maintaining a solid evidence‐base for all the interventions and procedures that are carried out by the average dental practitioner is overwhelmingly large. Clinical trial information is published at a rate that makes it practically impossible for anyone to keep up‐to‐date in all sub‐specialties relevant to general dental practice (68–73). Moreover, the scientific information provided is often conflicting, leaving it to the users and stakeholders to work out what to believe.…”