Workshop type: Discussion.

Objective: To provide an introduction to Cochrane systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials in dentistry and to familiarise participants with the work of the Cochrane Oral Health Group.

Summary:
A large number of systematic reviews are published in dentistry each year, following their considerable growth in health care in general. These are used across much of the health care landscape by a growing number of dentists, and various health care professionals, and consumers. The most obvious manifestation of this trend in dentistry is the growth of the Cochrane Oral Health Group (OHG), with over one hundred reviews of controlled trials published in the form of full and ongoing reviews.

The workshop will be divided into two parts. Using sample Cochrane reviews on cavity prevention, the first part of the workshop will provide an introduction to the methods and usefulness of sy stematic reviews of controlled trials. A discussion on the main sources of bias that should be minimised in each step of the review process, as well as basic information on the appropriate use of meta-analysis will be provided. In addition, biases that may be present in controlled trials (RCTs) in dental literature will be discussed.  Key resources freely available to aid the development and use of systematic reviews of health care interventions will be highlighted.

The second part will provide an overview of the work of the OHG, including information on its editorial process and support available to review authors, as well as information on future perspectives.

Participants will have an opportunity to understand the basics of conducting a systematic review and, in small groups, to comment on how trustworthy they think a report of an RCT is for inclusion in a systematic review (critical appraisal). They will learn about the progress of the OHG, the different roles and actions involved in the editorial process of a typical Cochrane OHG review, and about some future perspectives and challenges. There will be sufficient time for questions.

Intended audience: Anyone (participants with and without any dental background should be able to enjoy, and to learn from, this workshop).

Technical level expected of participants: Basic/Intermediate.