SESSION Seq #251: Methodological Challenges in the Design and Analysis of Split-mouth Trials

Seq #251

Saturday, July 5, 2008

9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Metro Toronto Convention Centre Room 718B, Symposium - Group/Division Sponsored

Methodological Challenges in the Design and Analysis of Split-mouth Trials

Sponsored by: Behavioral Sciences, Cariology Research, Periodontal Research, EBDN

Description: General description of all presentations: This symposium is designed to give an overview of the methodological challenges of split-mouth studies in oral health research. We will critically review the advantages and limitations of these trials and will discuss contemporary approaches to their design and analysis. Professor Pihlstrom (University of Minnesota, USA) will first review the history and development of these studies in oral health research with a critical appraisal of their potential and limitations. He will explain how their limitations are less well understood and give cautionary recommendations about their application. Professor Redmond (University of Pittsburgh, USA) will present the results of a methodological investigation of published split-mouth studies and make recommendations for their design, conduct and reporting. This theme will be extended by Professor Lesaffre (Catholic University Leuven, Belgium) who will use practical data sets and simulation studies to make recommendations for appropriate statistical management of split-mouth data. Finally, Dr Needleman (UCL Eastman Dental Institute, UK) will examine the issues around incorporating split-mouth studies into systematic reviews and meta-analyses. He will present examples from systematic reviews illustrating some of the challenges and possible solutions. Level: The symposium will be aimed at clinical and non-clinical individuals either active in oral health research or those interested in appraising clinical research data. What is hoped to be achieved: We hope that the symposium will increase knowledge and understanding of methodological issues regarding split-mouth trials and will stimulate lively debate between speakers and those attending. Educational objectives: After attending this symposium you will: 1. Understand the potential and limitations of spilt mouth studies in oral health research. 2. Be familiar with contemporary approaches to design, analysis and reporting of split-mouth trials. 3. Be familiar with contemporary approaches to incorporating split-mouth studies within systematic reviews. Supported by GSK - Sensodyne.

Chairperson: I. NEEDLEMAN


	2828		The Role of Split-Mouth Trials in Oral Health Research B. PIHLSTROM, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
			A Critical Review of Split-mouth Studies C. REDMOND, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
			Appropriate Statistical Methods for Split-mouth Studies E. LESAFFRE, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
			Split-mouth Studies and Systematic Reviews I. NEEDLEMAN, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London, England, Uk

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