Risk of bias and methodological critical appraisal in systematic reviews of non- and micro-invasive caries management for primary and permanent teeth.

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric dentistry should rely on evidence-based clinical decisions supported by high-quality, unbiased systematic reviews (SRs). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the methodological quality and risk of bias of SRs focused on non- and micro-invasive treatment for caries lesions in primary and permanent teeth. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, and ProQuest, up to March 2023 to identify relevant systematic reviews (SRs) focused on non- and micro-invasive caries treatment. Two independent reviewers extracted data from the included SRs and assessed the methodological quality and risk of bias using the AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS tools, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 39 SRs were included in the analysis. Among these, 27 SRs (69.2%) were assessed as having critically low methodological quality, 11 SRs (28.2%) were considered to have low methodological quality and only one SR was rated as high-quality. The primary concern identified was the absence of protocol registration before the commencing the study, observed in 33 SR when using the AMSTAR 2 tool. According to the ROBIS tool, 21 studies (53.8%) were categorised as low risk of bias, 10 (25.6%) as high risk and eight (20.5%) as unclear risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Our analysis revealed that SRs focused on non- and micro-invasive treatment for caries in children and adolescents had critically low methodological quality according to the AMSTAR 2 tool but demonstrated a low risk of bias based on the ROBIS tool. These findings highlight the importance of emphasizing prospective protocol registration, clear reporting of statistical analyses, and addressing potential bias implications within this topic. By addressing these issues, we can enhance the quality of SRs and ensure that clinical decisions rely on unbiased and trustworthy evidence. Registry DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/AR4MS.

How different attributes are weighted in professionals' decision-making in Pediatric Dentistry-a protocol for guiding discrete choice experiment focused on shortening the evidence-based practice implementation for dental care.

BACKGROUND: Important evidence has been constantly produced and needs to be converted into practice. Professional consumption of such evidence may be a barrier to its implementation. Then, effective implementation of evidence-based interventions in clinical practice leans on the understanding of how professionals value attributes when choosing between options for dental care, permitting to guide this implementation process by maximizing strengthens and minimizing barriers related to that. METHODS: This is part of a broader project investigating the potential of incorporating scientific evidence into clinical practice and public policy recommendations and guidelines, identifying strengths and barriers in such an implementation process. The present research protocol comprises a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) from the Brazilian oral health professionals' perspective, aiming to assess how different factors are associated with professional decision-making in dental care, including the role of scientific evidence. Different choice sets will be developed, either focusing on understanding the role of scientific evidence in the professional decision-making process or on understanding specific attributes associated with different interventions recently tested in randomized clinical trials and available as newly produced scientific evidence to be used in clinical practice. DISCUSSION: Translating research into practice usually requires time and effort. Shortening this process may be useful for faster incorporation into clinical practice and beneficial to the population. Understanding the context and professionals' decision-making preferences is crucial to designing more effective implementation and/or educational initiatives. Ultimately, we expect to design an efficient implementation strategy that overcomes threats and potential opportunities identified during the DCEs, creating a customized structure for dental professionals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://osf.io/bhncv .

"I Just Wanted a Dentist in My Phone"-Designing Evidence-Based mHealth Prototype to Improve Preschool Children's Oral and Dental Health: Multimethod Study of the Codevelopment of an App for Children's Teeth.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries in preschool children is a global health concern. With increased access to technology and the disruption of health care during the pandemic, mobile health apps have been of interest as potential vehicles for individuals' health maintenance. However, little is known about caring for their child's teeth and what their preferences would be regarding the content or design of an oral health app. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to co-design the prototype of an app named App for Children's Teeth with parents, providing a source of information for them about caring for their children's teeth and promoting positive dental habits. METHODS: This multimethod study conducted user involvement research with a purposive sample of parents or carers of children aged ≤6 years to (1) understand their use of the internet through the eHealth Literacy Scale and interviews, (2) determine their opinions about content related to children's oral health, and (3) collect feedback about the app's acceptability using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. There were three stages: (1) interviews with parents to understand their needs, preferences, and abilities; (2) prototype design with app developers; and (3) parent feedback interviews using the think aloud method for data collection. Data were deductively analyzed using a codebook strategy, whereas data from the think aloud sessions were analyzed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: The prototype design stage involved 10 parents who reported using the internet for health information but found it to be scattered and contradictory. Parents generally welcomed the App for Children's Teeth but expressed concerns about screen time and practicality. They suggested guidance regarding oral hygiene practices, teething symptoms, and pain relief. Parents appreciated features such as clear fonts, categorization according to their child's age, and "In a Nutshell" bullet points. Topics that resonated with parents included information about teething, finding a dentist, and breastfeeding. They believed that the app aligned with their goals and offered suggestions for future developments, such as outlining the process of finding a dentist and incorporating a forum for parents to communicate and exchange ideas. CONCLUSIONS: The coproduction design approach highlighted parents' need for solutions such as mobile health apps to access reliable information about oral health. Parents identified key design concepts for the app, including a simple and uncluttered interface, content categorization according to their child's age, and practical guidance supported by visual aids. Despite potential challenges related to screen time restrictions, parents provided insights into how such an app could fit seamlessly into their lives. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework; https://osf.io/uj9az.

Periodontal status among 12-year-old schoolchildren: a population-based cross-sectional study in Quito, Ecuador.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and extent of bleeding on probing and calculus in 12-year-old schoolchildren of Quito, Ecuador, and evaluate the associated factors. We conducted an epidemiological survey with a representative sample of 1,100 12-year-old schoolchildren from public schools in the urban area of Quito, Ecuador. We assessed the periodontal health using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). The prevalence and extent of the periodontal condition was based on the presence of at least one site with bleeding on probing (BOP), and the presence of dental calculus was also evaluated. We used univariate and multiple multilevel Poisson regression analyses to verify the association between the independent variables and the number of sextants with BOP and calculus. The prevalence of BOP and calculus was 92% and 69.9%, respectively. The adjusted mean of the affected sextants was 4.3 and 2.2 for BOP and calculus, respectively. The mother's schooling and malocclusion were associated with the number of sextants with bleeding. The mother's schooling and dental caries experience were associated with calculus. Gingival bleeding and the presence of dental calculus are highly prevalent in 12-year-old schoolchildren from Quito. Gingival bleeding is associated with maternal education and malocclusion, and dental calculus is associated with maternal education and dental caries.

Factors influencing the impact of randomized clinical trials on dental implants: A bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze bibliometrics, characteristics, and the risk of bias of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on dental implants published in six high-impact factor journals and to identify factors contributing to citation number. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic electronic search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) to identify RCTs on dental implants published in six dental journals between 2016 and 2017. Twenty-five bibliometric variables and paper characteristics were extracted to evaluate their contribution to the citation count. Risk of bias analysis was performed using the RoB2 tool. Negative binomial regression was used to examine the effects of predictor variables on the Citation count. Significance level was set to 5%. RESULTS: A total of 150 RCTs included received a cumulative citation count of 3452 until July 2022. In the negative binomial regression analysis, open-access RCTs exhibited 60% more citations, and RCTs that presented statistical significance received 46% more citations. Conversely, first author affiliations from Africa, Asia and Oceania continents showed 49% fewer citations than publications from Europe. Regarding the risk of bias, 73.3% of the RCTs had some concerns, while 26% were deemed to have a high risk of bias. Only one RCT (0.07%) showed a low risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of the study, factors such as open access, statistically significant results, and country influence the number of citations received by the RCTs on dental implants.

Periodontal status among 12-year-old schoolchildren: a population-based cross-sectional study in Quito, Ecuador

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and extent of bleeding on probing and calculus in 12-year-old schoolchildren of Quito, Ecuador, and evaluate the associated factors. We conducted an epidemiological survey with a representative sample of 1,100 12-year-old schoolchildren from public schools in the urban area of Quito, Ecuador. We assessed the periodontal health using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). The prevalence and extent of the periodontal condition was based on the presence of at least one site with bleeding on probing (BOP), and the presence of dental calculus was also evaluated. We used univariate and multiple multilevel Poisson regression analyses to verify the association between the independent variables and the number of sextants with BOP and calculus. The prevalence of BOP and calculus was 92% and 69.9%, respectively. The adjusted mean of the affected sextants was 4.3 and 2.2 for BOP and calculus, respectively. The mother's schooling and malocclusion were associated with the number of sextants with bleeding. The mother's schooling and dental caries experience were associated with calculus. Gingival bleeding and the presence of dental calculus are highly prevalent in 12-year-old schoolchildren from Quito. Gingival bleeding is associated with maternal education and malocclusion, and dental calculus is associated with maternal education and dental caries.

Do the clinical practice guidelines for paediatric dentistry meet the quality standards? A meta-research and quality appraisal using the AGREE II tool.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) enhance health care and aid clinicians' decisions. AIM: To evaluate the quality of clinical guidelines in paediatric dentistry using the AGREE II tool. DESIGN: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, LIVIVO, Lilacs, international guidelines websites, scientific societies, and gray literature were searched until September 2021. We included paediatric dental clinical guidelines and excluded drafts or guidelines for patients with special needs. Two independent reviewers performed quality assessment using the APPRAISAL OF GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH & EVALUATION II (AGREE II) instrument. We calculated the mean overall domain scores (95% confidence interval) for each guideline. We used regression analysis to correlate the score of overall assessment and the six domains of AGREE II with guideline characteristics. RESULTS: Forty-four guidelines were included in this study. Highest mean score was for Domain 4 (Clarity of Presentation; 58%, 95% CI: 50.8-64.9), whereas the lowest was for Domain 5 (Applicability; 16%, 95% CI: 10.8-21.4). The reporting quality was improved in Domains 1-5 with reporting checklists (p < .001), whereas that of Domain 6 was improved by decreasing years since publication (p = .047). CONCLUSION: Paediatric dental guidelines do not comply with the methodological quality standard, especially in Domain 5 (Applicability). The AGREE reporting checklist should be implemented with a system to evaluate the certainty of evidence for future guidelines.

Association of children's oral health and school environment on academic performance in 12-year-old schoolchildren of Quito, Ecuador.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate if children's oral health and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were associated with school performance. Moreover, the study aimed to examine whether school environment factors influenced this association. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was based on a population-based sample of 998 12-year-old schoolchildren from 31 public schools in Quito, Ecuador. Trained and calibrated examiners conducted clinical exams for dental caries, dental trauma and malocclusion. Furthermore, children completed the Spanish version of the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ11-14 ), and their parents answered questions about socio-economic status. School coordinators provided information on the physical environment, promotion of health practices and the occurrence of negative episodes in the school. There were three outcomes: grades obtained in Spanish language and mathematics and the number of missed school days. Multilevel linear and Poisson regression models were conducted using a hierarchical approach to include the variables guided by a previously created direct acyclic graph. RESULTS: Children with dental trauma and higher CPQ11-14 scores showed lower grades and school attendance. Schoolchildren from schools with episodes of vandalism had more school days missed. CONCLUSION: The school performance of 12-year-old children is affected by dental trauma and by a worse OHRQoL, as well as a negative school environment. Therefore, supportive environments and promoting health measures in schools could overcome this worse academic performance in children with oral health problems.

Methodological quality of network meta-analysis in dentistry: a meta-research.

This meta-research aimed to provide an overview of the methodological quality and risk of bias of network meta-analyses (NMA) in dentistry. Searches for NMA of randomized clinical trials with clinical outcomes in dentistry were performed in databases up to January 2022. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts, selected full texts, and extracted the data. The adherence to PRISMA-NMA reporting guideline, the AMSTAR-2 methodological quality tool, and the ROBIS risk of bias tool were assessed in the studies. Correlation between the PRISMA-NMA adherence and the AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS results was also investigated. Sixty-two NMA studies were included and presented varied methodological quality. According to AMSTAR-2, half of the NMA presented moderate quality (n = 32; 51.6%). The adherence to PRISMA-NMA also varied. Only 36 studies (58.1%) prospectively registered the protocol. Other issues lacking of reporting were data related were data related to the NMA geometry and the assessment of results consistency, and the evaluation of risk of bias across the studies. ROBIS assessment showed a high risk of bias mainly for domains 1 (study eligibility criteria) and 2 (identification and selection of studies). Correlation coefficients between the PRISMA-NMA adherence and the AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS results showed moderate correlation (rho < 0.6). Overall, NMA studies in dentistry were of moderate quality and at high risk of bias in several domains, especially study selection. Future reviews should be better planned and conducted and have higher compliance with reporting and quality assessment tools.

Is there an acceptable surrogate for caries clinical trials? Evidence from a systematic review of primary studies.

BACKGROUND: There is currently a lack of evidence supporting the use of valid surrogates in caries clinical trials. This study aimed at examining the validity of two surrogate outcomes used in randomized clinical trials for caries prevention, pit and fissure sealants and fluoridated dentifrices, according to the Prentice criteria. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS and Scopus databases up to 05 October 2022. The grey literature and the list of eligible studies' references were also screened. The search was conducted, selecting randomized clinical trials focussed on dental caries prevention using pit and fissure sealants or fluoridated dentifrices and with at least one surrogate endpoint for cavitated caries lesions. The risk of each surrogate endpoint and for the occurrence of cavitated caries lesions was calculated and compared. The association between each surrogate and the presence of cavitation was quantified, and each outcome was assessed graphically for validity according to the Prentice criteria. RESULTS: For pit and fissure sealants, from 1696 potentially eligible studies, 51 were included; while for fluoridated dentifrices, of 3887 potentially eligible studies, four were included. Possible surrogates assessed were retention of sealants, presence of white spot lesions, presence of plaque or marginal discoloration around the sealants, oral hygiene index, radiographic and fluorescence caries lesion assessments. However, only the retention of sealants and the presence of white spot lesions could be evaluated for their validity according to the Prentice criteria. CONCLUSION: Loss of retention of sealants and the presence of white spot lesions do not fulfil all of the Prentice criteria. Therefore, they cannot be considered valid surrogates for caries prevention.

Associated factors and treatment options for sleep bruxism in children: an umbrella review.

Data on clinical management options for sleep bruxism in the primary dentition are inconclusive. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize the available evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) on the associated factors and treatment approaches for clinical management of sleep bruxism in children. A search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and OpenGrey databases up to March 2022. SRs published on sleep bruxism in children containing data on associated factors or treatment outcomes were included. The AMSTAR-2 tool was used to assess the methodological quality of SRs. The search identified 444 articles, of which six were included. Sleep conditions, respiratory changes, personality traits, and psychosocial factors were the associated factors commonly identified. Treatments included psychological and pharmacological therapies, occlusal devices, physical therapy, and surgical therapy. All SRs included presented a high risk of bias. Overlapping of the included studies was considered very high. The best evidence available to date for the management of sleep bruxism in children is based on associated factors, with sleep duration and conditions, respiratory changes, as well as personality traits and psychosocial factors being the most important factors commonly reported by studies. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to make recommendations for specific treatment options.

Selective outcome reporting in paediatric dentistry restorative treatment randomised clinical trials-A meta-research.

BACKGROUND: Selective outcome reporting (SOR) is a bias that occurs when the primary outcome of a randomised clinical trial (RCT) is omitted or changed. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of SOR in RCTs on restorative treatment in primary teeth. DESIGN: We conducted an electronic search on ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization platform (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) on 1st of April 2021, with no registry time or language restrictions. We included RCT protocols that evaluated restorative treatments in primary teeth and excluded trials that did not have a complete publication in a scientific journal. The chi-squared test was used to identify the association between SOR and variables as a discrepancy in the follow-up period, the timing of registration, the type of sponsorship and the type of study design (α = 5%). RESULTS: Of the 294 identified protocols, 30 were included in the study. 83.3% of trials were registered retrospectively. SOR was observed in 53.3% (n = 16) of the published trials and was significantly associated with a discrepancy in the follow-up period (p = .017). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of SOR in RCTs on restorative treatment proves that this is a prominent threat. A proper preregistered protocol, declaration of any protocol deviation and allowance of stakeholders to compare the protocol with that of the submitted papers will achieve transparency.

Influence of two caries detection strategies on the quality of life of preschool children: An analysis of secondary outcomes of a 2-Year randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the influence of two caries diagnosis strategies, and subsequent management, on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschoolers. Additionally, the association of the OHRQoL outcomes with the clinician-centred primary outcome used in the main study was also explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study refers to the OHRQoL secondary outcomes analyses of the so-called RCT 'CARDEC-1'. Three- to 6-year-old children were randomly allocated in two caries detection strategies in primary molars: visual inspection (VIS) or visual + radiographic (RAD) assessment. Participants were diagnosed and treated according to the allocated group and followed up for 2 years. Caregivers answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) at baseline and after 2 years. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. ECOHIS scores at baseline and 2 years later were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Effect sizes, change scores and the minimally important difference (MID) were also compared between groups. Additional analysis was performed to assess if OHRQoL variables could reflect the primary clinical outcome (number of new operative interventions during the follow-up), observing if these met the Prentice criteria. RESULTS: Two hundred and five children had the ECOHIS answered in both period times (18.7% attrition rate). There was a decrease in total ECOHIS scores, as well as for different domains for both trial groups, with effect sizes varying from 0.43 to 0.77. Comparisons between groups, however, did not show significant differences. In the additional analysis, the OHRQoL variables met the Prentice criteria and presented the same trends observed with the clinician-centred primary endpoint. CONCLUSION: Caries detection performed by visual inspection alone or associated with radiographic method does not influence the long-term impact on OHRQoL. Furthermore, OHRQoL variables reflect clinical outcomes in this type of clinical trial. CLINICALTRIALS: gov NCT02078453.

Associated factors and treatment options for sleep bruxism in children: an umbrella review

Abstract Data on clinical management options for sleep bruxism in the primary dentition are inconclusive. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize the available evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) on the associated factors and treatment approaches for clinical management of sleep bruxism in children. A search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and OpenGrey databases up to March 2022. SRs published on sleep bruxism in children containing data on associated factors or treatment outcomes were included. The AMSTAR-2 tool was used to assess the methodological quality of SRs. The search identified 444 articles, of which six were included. Sleep conditions, respiratory changes, personality traits, and psychosocial factors were the associated factors commonly identified. Treatments included psychological and pharmacological therapies, occlusal devices, physical therapy, and surgical therapy. All SRs included presented a high risk of bias. Overlapping of the included studies was considered very high. The best evidence available to date for the management of sleep bruxism in children is based on associated factors, with sleep duration and conditions, respiratory changes, as well as personality traits and psychosocial factors being the most important factors commonly reported by studies. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to make recommendations for specific treatment options.

Methodological quality of network meta-analysis in dentistry: a meta-research

Abstract This meta-research aimed to provide an overview of the methodological quality and risk of bias of network meta-analyses (NMA) in dentistry. Searches for NMA of randomized clinical trials with clinical outcomes in dentistry were performed in databases up to January 2022. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts, selected full texts, and extracted the data. The adherence to PRISMA-NMA reporting guideline, the AMSTAR-2 methodological quality tool, and the ROBIS risk of bias tool were assessed in the studies. Correlation between the PRISMA-NMA adherence and the AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS results was also investigated. Sixty-two NMA studies were included and presented varied methodological quality. According to AMSTAR-2, half of the NMA presented moderate quality (n = 32; 51.6%). The adherence to PRISMA-NMA also varied. Only 36 studies (58.1%) prospectively registered the protocol. Other issues lacking of reporting were data related were data related to the NMA geometry and the assessment of results consistency, and the evaluation of risk of bias across the studies. ROBIS assessment showed a high risk of bias mainly for domains 1 (study eligibility criteria) and 2 (identification and selection of studies). Correlation coefficients between the PRISMA-NMA adherence and the AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS results showed moderate correlation (rho < 0.6). Overall, NMA studies in dentistry were of moderate quality and at high risk of bias in several domains, especially study selection. Future reviews should be better planned and conducted and have higher compliance with reporting and quality assessment tools.

Pulp vitality of primary molars with deep caries treated with ART restorations: 2-year RCT.

The aim of this study was to compare the pulp vitality of primary teeth with deep caries treated with two restorative techniques. The restoration survival rate was also evaluated as a secondary outcome. Children aged from 4 to 8 years with at least one deep carious lesion in molars were selected at the Ibirapuera University dental clinic. One hundred and eight deciduous molars were allocated into two groups: (1) restoration with calcium hydroxide cement lining followed by filling with high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (CHC+HVGIC) or (2) restoration with HVGIC. Pulp vitality and restoration survival were evaluated at 6, 12, and 24 months. Intent-to-treat analysis was used for pulp vitality, and survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier method (α=5%). Results: At 24 months, 86 restorations were evaluated, and 91 were evaluated at least once during the study. There was no significant difference between the restorative treatments regarding pulp vitality (CHC +HVGIC=70% and HVGIC=68.5%) (OR=1.091; CI95%=0.481-2.475). However, HVGIC (73%) restorations showed a higher survival rate than CHC+HVGIC (50%) (p=0.021). Thus, it can conclude that deep caries in primary molars should be restored with HVGIC, since the technique results in similar pulp vitality to the CHC +HVGIC, but with a higher restoration survival rate.

Use of rubber dam versus cotton roll isolation on composite resin restorations' survival in primary molars: 2-year results from a non-inferiority clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This non-inferiority randomised clinical trial aimed to evaluate the survival of direct bulk fill composite resin restorations in primary molars using different methods of moisture control: rubber dam isolation (RDI-local anaesthesia and rubber dam) and cotton roll isolation (CRI-cotton roll and saliva ejector). Secondary outcomes included baseline and 2-year incremental cost, self-reported child's pain scores and patient behaviour during the restorative procedure. METHODS: A total of 174 molars (93 children) with dentine caries lesions were randomly allocated to study groups (RDI or CRI) and restored with bulk fill composite resin by trained operators. Two blinded examiners assessed the restorations for up to 24 months. Wong-baker faces and Frankl's behaviour rating scales were used for accessing the child's pain and behaviour, respectively. The primary outcome (restoration survival) was analysed using the two-sample non-inferiority test for survival data using Cox Regression (non-inferiority/alternative hypothesis HR > 0.85; CI = 90%). Bootstrap Linear regression was used for cost analysis and logistic regression for pain and behaviour analysis (α = 5%). RESULTS: After 2-years, 157 restorations were evaluated (drop-out = 9.7%). The survival rate was RDI = 60.4% and CRI = 54.3%. The non-inferiority hypothesis was accepted by the Cox Regression analysis (HR = 1.33; 90% CI 0.88-1.99; p = 0.036). RDI was 53% more expensive when compared to the CRI group. No differences were found between the groups regarding pain (p = 0.073) and behaviour (p = 0.788). CONCLUSION: Cotton roll isolation proved to be non-inferior when compared to rubber dam for composite restorations longevity in primary molars. Furthermore, the latest presented the disadvantage of higher cost and longer procedure time. Clinical Significance The moisture control method does not influence the longevity of composite restorations in primary molars. Cotton roll isolation proved to be non-inferior to rubber dam isolation and is a viable option for restoring primary molars. Clinical trial registration registered NCT03733522 on 07/11/2018. The present trial was nested within another clinical trial, the CARies DEtection in Children (CARDEC-03-NCT03520309).

A importância dos estudos clínicos randomizados e seu impacto na tomada de decisão clínica / The importance of randomized clinical trials and their impact on clinical decision making

Os ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECRs) são considerados o padrão ouro e o mais alto nível de evidência científica para estudos de intervenção, precedidos apenas pela síntese dos mesmos (revisões sistemáticas). Tanto os responsáveis pela tomada de decisões, quanto os desenvolvedores de diretrizes precisam usar tais estudos, bem como suas sínteses, para desenvolver diretrizes clínicas de alta qualidade para auxiliar os profissionais na tomada de decisões. Portanto, os ECRs precisam ser bem delineados para minimizar o risco de viés, a fim de construir evidências científicas confiáveis em relação aos benefícios e efeitos colaterais das intervenções clínicas, bem como para garantir a transparência na concepção da metodologia de estudo e na comunicação dos resultados. Ensaios clínicos mal delineados representam um risco para a prática clínica, assim como desperdício de tempo, esforço e recursos financeiros na ciência. Este comentário visa destacar e discutir questões relacionadas à qualidade dos ECRs e seu efeito na tomada de decisões clínicas, bem como enfatizar a conscientização sobre a necessidade de avaliar criteriosamente os ensaios clínicos que serão utilizados para embasar a prática clínica.

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard and the highest level of scientific evidence, preceded only by systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis. Both policy makers and guideline developers need to use such studies, as well as systematic reviews of RCTs, to develop high-quality clinical guidelines to assist dentists in making clinical decisions. Therefore, randomized controlled trials need to be well designed and have a reduced number of systematic errors to build reliable scientific evidence regarding the benefits and side effects of clinical interventions, as well as to ensure transparency in the design of study methodology and reporting of results, all of which will reduce potential biases. Poorly designed clinical trials pose a risk to clinical practice, as well as a waste of time and effort for dentists and even a waste of resources in science. This commentary aims to highlight and discuss problems related to the quality of randomized controlled clinical trials and their effect on dental surgeons' clinical decision making, as well as emphasizing the importance of choosing high quality clinical trials as a basis for their clinical practice.

Reparar ou substituir? quando e como intervir em restaurações defeituosas / Repair or replace? when and how to intervene in defective restorations

A alta prevalência de cárie ao redor do mundo faz com que os tratamentos restauradores figurem entre os procedimentos mais executados pelos cirurgiõesdentistas. Também é bastante comum os profissionais relatarem novas lesões de cárie ao redor das restaurações ou até mesmo fraturas parciais ou totais das mesmas, fatores que podem ser considerados como "falhas" do procedimento restaurador. Diante dessas situações, a maioria dos profissionais entende que é necessário realizar a substituição completa da restauração. No entanto, existem outras técnicas mais conservadoras e que podem ser tão efetivas quanto a substituição/troca, como por exemplo a realização de reparo das restaurações apresentando defeitos. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar de forma clara e objetiva aos clínicos que se deparam diariamente com este cenário, qual seria o melhor momento para intervir, e quais as alternativas de tratamento, baseadas na melhor evidência científica disponível, a se realizar frente às falhas dos procedimentos restauradores, sempre alinhadas com a filosofia de Mínima Intervenção.

The high prevalence of caries worldwide makes restorative treatments some of the most commonly performed dental treatments. It is pretty common to find new caries lesions around the restorations or even partial or total fractures, factors that can be considered a "failure" for the restorative procedure. In these situations, most professionals understand that it is necessary to replace the restoration, but other more conservative techniques are as effective as a replacement, such as repairing the restorations. This article aims to present a clear and evidence-based when is the best time to intervene and what is the best treatment to be carried out in case of failure of the restorative procedures, in line with Minimal Intervention principles.

Does the school environment exert influence on quality of life related to traumatic dental injury in children?

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess whether favorable factors related to school characteristics have a positive effect on the impact of traumatic dental injury (TDI) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). An epidemiological survey of oral health was conducted with 12-year-old schoolchildren from Quito, Ecuador. Children were examined for TDI, dental caries, and malocclusion. Individual socioeconomic data were also collected. Information on the physical environment, health practices, and occurrence of negative episodes at school was collected from the school coordinators. The Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ11-14) was used to evaluate the OHRQoL (outcome variable). Multilevel Poisson regression analysis was conducted. Severe TDI was associated with higher CPQ11-14 scores, even in the multiple model adjusted for oral health conditions, sex, individual socioeconomic variables, and school-related variables. Children from schools that had an appropriate tooth-brushing environment for their students exhibited a lower impact on OHRQoL, even after adjustment for the occurrence of TDI and other variables. A favorable school environment may exert a positive effect on OHRQoL, independent of the occurrence of TDI.