Fundamentals of Nonparametric Statistical Tests for Dental Clinical Research

Abstract

This article provides the foundation for employing nonparametric testing in dental clinical research. To make wise judgments in their research, investigators should learn more about the main nonparametric tests and their particular uses. Biostatistical analysis is essential in dental research; dental research frequently deviates from the assumptions that underpin traditional parametric statistics. Nonparametric statistics are useful for studies with small sample sizes, nominal- or ordinal-level data, and non-normally distributed variables. These statistical tests make no assumptions about the sampled population. Nonparametric tests are statistical methods based on signs and ranks. For dental research to be conducted effectively and accurately, statistical approaches must be applied correctly. Therefore, dental researchers must understand the many statistical methods at their disposal and know when to use them.

Keywords: biostatistical analysis; dental research; evidence-based dentistry; nonparametric statistics.