Level of evidence of scientific research presented at a national endodontic conference

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Evidence-based endodontics improves patient care by combining clinical competence, research, and patient values. This review critically assessed scientific studies at an Indian national endodontic conference. Materials and Methods: Scientific research papers presented at the 30th National Endodontic Conference of the Indian Endodontic Society 2022 were categorized according to the area of interest and the level of evidence. Cuzick’s test for trend was utilized to compare the level of evidence of the abstracts at the National Endodontic Conference (n = 396) and those published from the 20th European Society of Endodontology Biennial Congress 2022 (n = 91). Results: Endodontics (n = 265, 64.6%) was the most examined domain, followed by diagnosis (n = 49, 12.4%), restorative dentistry (n = 46, 11.6%), and miscellaneous (n = 45; 11.6%). Root canal disinfection (n = 64, 16.1%) was the most prevalent subcategory, followed by endodontic instruments and apparatus (n = 40, 10.1%) and restorations (n = 36, 9%). Laboratory and animal (nonhuman) studies dominated the national conference abstracts (n = 219, 55.3%), followed by level VI (n = 108; 27.2%), level III (n = 40; 10.1%), and level II (n = 23, 5.9%). There was no significant difference between the national and international conference levels of evidence (P = 0.318). Discussion: National and international conferences lack laboratory-to-clinical translation. Researchers must do high-quality, relevant, nonredundant evidence-based research. Conclusion: New studies should use evidence-based research to efficiently address valid research questions and provide predictable and high-quality patient treatment.