Key strategies for evidence synthesis through systematic reviews in Dentistry

Abstract

Systematic reviews in dentistry are increasing in numbers and scope, influencing and informing the overall practice. Quality conduct of these reviews is indispensable. Key strategies should be followed to execute these effectively, starting with assembling the team with all the experts playing the right roles. Formulating the question and registering the review at a protocol registry are important aspects and it should be noted that the right search strategy is followed, where all the databases are thoroughly searched with the guidance from an information specialist. Critical appraisal of the quality of included studies should be performed with an objective tool after the included studies get the data extracted by two reviewers, getting conflicts resolved by a third one. Analyzed data should be schematically presented comprehensively in the results section and suitable conclusions should be drawn, often augmented with generating recommendations for the practice. Dissemination of the results and their implications on practice should be considered a crucial and pivotal part of the review process, as this serves the purpose of the research by creating the impact in the right domains.