Randomized Controlled Trials in Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics

Since the early twenty-first century, the number of randomized controlled trials (RCT) in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics has significantly increased. Conducting RCTs comes with several challenges, e.g., devising a meaningful research question, variation in operator techniques, diversity of materials/procedures, and selecting the appropriate study design and outcome variables. Trial implementation and dissemination also raise issues related to dealing with missing data and standardized reporting. This chapter provides a simple conceptual explanation of RCTs with a discussion of the preparation and important specific elements of RCTs in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics. An overview of the current status of RCTs in the field is provided, clarifying what is lacking and providing recommendations for areas of future research. The study designs and methodologies in this field are also discussed, focusing on (1) selecting baseline data, (2) choice of outcomes, (3) participant recruitment strategy and care provider, (4) study design—parallel or crossover, (5) follow-up period, and (6) analysis and statistical tests. Appropriate research reporting is essential for results to be applied in clinical practice. Top-quality peer-reviewed journals insist on compliance with Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines when considering publication of RCT reports. Although economic assessment has been common in medical research for at least 30 years, cost analysis has been lacking and now is important in dental research, as the high healthcare costs associated with dentistry limit access to care for many populations. Qualitative and mixed methods research approaches are now recognized as important methodologies in health research worldwide; thus, these valuable approaches are also described. The authors hope this chapter will foster high-quality evidence from RCTs in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics.