Developing a register for randomized controlled trials in prosthodontics: results of a search from prosthodontic journals published in the United States

Abstract

Statement of problem: Treatment decisions are often made despite absence of evidence from well-conducted clinical trials. Conclusions about treatment efficacy derived from nonexperimental approaches often overestimate treatment effect. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the most reliable basis for evaluating effectiveness of treatment interventions.

Purpose: This study attempted to identify and catalog RCTs in prosthodontic journals published in the United States as an initial step in creating a register of clinical trials that would be a resource in setting up systemic overviews of prosthodontic literature.

Methods: The International Journal of Prosthodontics, The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, and The Journal of Prosthodontics published between 1988 and 1997 were searched manually to identify clinical trials. Clinical trials had to meet the following criteria for inclusion in the register: the trial must involve human subjects, must include at least 2 treatment groups, and treatment group allocation must be randomized.

Results: A total of 3,631 articles in 196 journal issues were screened. Sixty-two articles (1.7%) met the minimum criteria for inclusion in the RCT register.

Conclusion: Given the lack of randomized controlled trials in prosthodontic journals, a concerted effort by the organized prosthodontic community should be made to screen national and international journals and contribute to the development of a register of randomized controlled trials relevant to prosthodontics.