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Four “lessons learned” while implementing a multi‐site caries prevention trial
Author(s) -
Bader James D.,
Robinson Debbie S.,
Gilbert Gregg H.,
Ritter Andre V.,
Makhija Sonia K.,
Funkhouser Kimberly A.,
Amaechi Bennett T.,
Shugars Daniel A.,
Laws Reesa
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2010.00167.x
Subject(s) - randomized controlled trial , medicine , set (abstract data type) , evidence based dentistry , clinical trial , medline , alternative medicine , medical physics , medical education , dentistry , computer science , surgery , pathology , political science , law , programming language
As the number of dental‐related randomized clinical trials (RCTs) increases, there is a need for literature to help investigators inexperienced in conducting RCTs design and implement studies. This commentary describes four “lessons learned” or considerations important in the planning and initial implementation of RCTs in dentistry that, to our knowledge, have not been discussed in the general dental literature describing trial techniques. These considerations are a) preparing or securing a thorough systematic review; b) developing a comprehensive set of study documents; c) designing and testing multiple recruitment strategies; and d) employing a run‐in period prior to enrollment. Attention to these considerations in the planning phases of a dental RCT can help ensure that the trial is clinically relevant while also maximizing the likelihood that its implementation will be successful.