Posterior composites: evaluations without trials?

Clinical trials for the evaluation of restorative materials are time-consuming, expensive and often based on subjectively assessed criteria. By the conclusion of a clinical trial materials are often obsolete. A DHSS-commissioned programme at the Liverpool School of Dentistry is in progress where clinical and laboratory evaluations of materials are being carried out in parallel with a view to correlating the results. The structure and scope of the programme is discussed and the value of establishing short-term laboratory tests predictive of clinical performance is considered. Preliminary observations emerging from the programme are discussed.