Conducting systematic reviews and creating clinical practice guidelines in dentistry: lessons learned

High-quality systematic reviews are the basis of valid, reliable clinical practice guidelines, or CPGs. In 1999, a Canadian collaboration of dentists embarked on the process of developing guidelines.

The Canadian Collaboration on Clinical Practice Guidelines in Dentistry, or CCCD, is a coalition of multiple stakeholders from organized dentistry and academia whose mandate is to develop CPGs for practicing dentists. In the development of the first CPG based on a systematic review of the literature, the CCCD Methodology Resource Group (of which the authors were co-chairs) gained some valuable insights. The authors wrote this article to share their experiences and lessons learned and to offer practical advice to others who may undertake similar projects.

The authors identify a number of methodological issues and logistical problems and make suggestions for effective management of the review and guideline development processes.

Systematic reviews and the development of CPGs require rigorous methodology, as well as input from content experts and clinicians, to ensure validity and relevance. The processes are costly and time-intensive, but the anticipated outcome is enhanced clinical decision making and improved oral health.