CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF COCHRANE ORAL HEALTH: A LEGACY OF EVIDENCE AND IMPACT

Area of Science:

• Oral health research
• Evidence synthesis
• Public health

Background:

• Cochrane Oral Health (COH), established at The University of Manchester, celebrates 30 years of impact.
• COH is a key provider of trusted, evidence-based information for oral healthcare.
• Its work influences clinical practice, health policy, and patient care globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight Cochrane Oral Health's 30-year legacy and contributions to global oral health.
• To emphasize COH's commitment to producing high-quality, accessible systematic reviews.
• To outline COH's strategic goals for continued advancement in evidence-based oral healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Conducting systematic reviews adhering to Cochrane methodological standards.
• Employing diverse methodologies, including living reviews, diagnostic test accuracy reviews, and AI-assisted synthesis.
• Engaging diverse stakeholders in prioritization to ensure relevance and impact.

Main Results:

• COH reviews are widely cited in international guidelines and policy documents.
• Significant contributions in areas such as fluoride interventions, oral cancer management, and infection control.
• Successful implementation of innovative review methodologies and knowledge translation strategies.

Conclusions:

• Cochrane Oral Health has a strong legacy of methodological rigor, stakeholder engagement, and global impact.
• COH continues to evolve, addressing emerging challenges in oral health.
• Strategic goals focus on expanding reach, innovating methods, promoting equity, and effective knowledge translation for evidence-based oral healthcare.