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Leveraging real-world data in evidence-based caries research: a meta-epidemiological study
Sicheng Wu1, Man Kei Chan1, Edward Chin Man Lo1
1Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
The Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice
|May 11, 2026
Summary
Real-world data (RWD) in dental research is growing rapidly. However, studies using RWD for caries research show significant methodological limitations, needing improved reporting and analytical rigor.
Area of Science:
- Dental Research
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Real-world data (RWD) from dental records offers potential for population-based caries research.
- Comprehensive evaluations of RWD-based caries studies are limited.
- This study systematically characterized RWD-based caries research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically characterize the temporal and geographical distribution of RWD-based caries research.
- To evaluate study characteristics and methodological quality.
- To identify areas for improvement in RWD-based dental research.
Main Methods:
- A meta-epidemiological approach was used.
- Systematic literature search across MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases.
- Included studies published up to December 2024.
Main Results:
- Exponential growth in publications, with 57.8% from 2015-2024, primarily from Nordic countries and the US.
- Most studies used dental records (80.0%), with over 25% having >10,000 participants.
- Significant methodological limitations include inadequate reporting of examination methods (47.4%) and rare use of advanced analytical methods (4.4%).
Conclusions:
- RWD-based caries research has expanded significantly.
- Notable methodological limitations persist, particularly in reporting and analytical rigor.
- Urgent need for enhanced standards and strategies to improve the quality of RWD-based dental research.
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