Article type
Abstract
Background: Evidence about transparency and reproducibility practices is scarce in dentistry.
Objectives: To evaluate transparency and reproducibility practices in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in dentistry.
Methods: This meta-research study included RCTs in dentistry regardless of topic, methods, or level of detail reported. Only studies in English were considered. Only studies in English were considered. We searched PubMed for RCTs in dentistry published in English from December 31, 2016, to December 31, 2021. The screening was performed in duplicate, and data extracted included journal and author details, dental specialty, use of CONSORT, protocol registration, data and code sharing, conflict of interest declaration, and funding information. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. We generated maps illustrating the reporting of transparency and reproducibility items by country of the corresponding author and a heat table reflecting reporting levels by dental specialty.
Results: A total of 844 RCTs were included. The majority did not report the use of CONSORT (67.89%) or data and code sharing (87.32%). Protocol registration was reported for 50.36% of RCTs. Conflict of interest (83.41%) and funding (71.68%) declarations were present in most studies. Conflicts of interest and funding were consistently reported regardless of country or specialty, while reporting of CONSORT use and data and code sharing was suboptimal. Protocol registration exhibited considerable variability.
Conclusions: Considering the importance of RCTs for evidence-based dentistry, it is crucial that everyone who participates in the scientific production and dissemination process actively and consistently promotes adherence to transparent and reproducible scientific standards, particularly the use of CONSORT, registration of protocols, and sharing of data and code.
Relevance and importance to patients: Adhering to transparency and reproducibility standards is essential since the safety; benefits; and social, academic and scientific value of an RCT depend on these factors.
Objectives: To evaluate transparency and reproducibility practices in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in dentistry.
Methods: This meta-research study included RCTs in dentistry regardless of topic, methods, or level of detail reported. Only studies in English were considered. Only studies in English were considered. We searched PubMed for RCTs in dentistry published in English from December 31, 2016, to December 31, 2021. The screening was performed in duplicate, and data extracted included journal and author details, dental specialty, use of CONSORT, protocol registration, data and code sharing, conflict of interest declaration, and funding information. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. We generated maps illustrating the reporting of transparency and reproducibility items by country of the corresponding author and a heat table reflecting reporting levels by dental specialty.
Results: A total of 844 RCTs were included. The majority did not report the use of CONSORT (67.89%) or data and code sharing (87.32%). Protocol registration was reported for 50.36% of RCTs. Conflict of interest (83.41%) and funding (71.68%) declarations were present in most studies. Conflicts of interest and funding were consistently reported regardless of country or specialty, while reporting of CONSORT use and data and code sharing was suboptimal. Protocol registration exhibited considerable variability.
Conclusions: Considering the importance of RCTs for evidence-based dentistry, it is crucial that everyone who participates in the scientific production and dissemination process actively and consistently promotes adherence to transparent and reproducible scientific standards, particularly the use of CONSORT, registration of protocols, and sharing of data and code.
Relevance and importance to patients: Adhering to transparency and reproducibility standards is essential since the safety; benefits; and social, academic and scientific value of an RCT depend on these factors.