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Chemical plaque control: how do you advise your patients?
1University of Alabama School of Dentistry, Birmingham 35294.
International Dental Journal
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Dentists must consider clinical trial design to predict the real-world effectiveness of antiplaque and antigingivitis agents. Understanding study limitations helps in applying research findings to patient care for better plaque and gingivitis control.
Area of Science:
- Oral hygiene
- Periodontology
- Clinical trial methodology
Background:
- Antiplaque and antigingivitis agents demonstrate efficacy in controlling plaque and gingivitis.
- Translating clinical trial results to practical dental settings requires careful consideration of study design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the strengths and weaknesses of major clinical trial designs.
- To evaluate how experimental design influences the extrapolation of results to clinical practice.
- To guide dentists in anticipating the magnitude of effect for oral hygiene agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of major clinical trial designs.
- Analysis of the relationship between experimental design and clinical outcomes.
- Evaluation of the generalizability of clinical trial data.
Main Results:
- Different clinical trial designs possess unique strengths and limitations.
- The choice of experimental design significantly impacts the applicability of findings to patient populations.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate prediction of agent efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Dentists must critically assess clinical trial methodologies.
- Effective extrapolation of research findings requires awareness of study design limitations.
- Informed interpretation of clinical trials enhances the selection and use of antiplaque/antigingivitis agents.