Development of consented recommendations for caries diagnostic studies in dental research

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Caries detection and diagnostics is one of the dental core competences and requires validated and reliable diagnostic methods in the daily dental practice. For most of the available methods, e.g. visual, radiographic examination, laser fluorescence measurement, fiber-optic transillumination or quantitative light-induced fluorescence analysis, exist numerous in vitro and in vivo studies in relation to different research questions. When analyzing these studies in detail it became obvious that the methodology of many studies is heterogeneously and, therefore, the comparability reduced. Aiming at eliminating these problems, it seems to be recommended to establish standards for caries diagnostic standards. Such recommendations should consider aspects of an appropriate study design as well as reporting in publications. Following this basic aim, a systematic search, screening and analysis of the existing literature was planned and is conducted meanwhile by several young scientists. The search is far progressed and will be finalized soon. In a next step it is planned to discuss, evaluate, agree and publish the findings from the literature and consensus recommendations from the expert group under inclusion of different experts/ cariologists. The main purpose of this application is to raise a funding for the travel expenses and the costs for open access publication of the finalized manuscripts. It is planned to conduct three workshops within a period of one year. On the one side the young scientists will present the ongoing status of the systematic search of literature during the workshops, on the other side the experts will be asked to give substantial input into this scientific network. Another important justification to “network” seems to be the possibility to reach a broad consensus by the means to have a repetitive review of the working process by different persons. During the third and final workshop the developed recommendations for conducting and reporting caries diagnostic studies will be consented. Furthermore, the consensus paper should be formulated by the expert group. Beside the potential to improve the quality of future caries diagnostic studies the project will bring young scientists into contact with experienced dental scientists. This seems to be an outstanding opportunity to create a scientific network which may persist in the future.