Epidemiological study designs and statistical methods for clinical research in oral and maxillofacial surgery: a narrative review

Abstract

Objective: This paper provides an overview of epidemiology, common types of clinical studies, statistical analysis, and common pitfalls in clinical research. Background: As health care leaders at the nexus of dentistry and medicine, the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) is relentless in its pursuit of innovation and improvements to enable surgeons to provide the best possible care for patients. To this end, it is of paramount importance to prioritize improving trainees’ and attending surgeons’ grasp on clinical research study design and statistical analysis. Only with robust scientific evidence can OMSs develop dependable guidelines and sustain shifts in standard of practice. An essential component of such clinical research requires a baseline understanding of epidemiology and biostatistics. Methods: A review and synthesis of relevant literature was conducted using PubMed database. Conclusions: This is by no means a comprehensive guide, as entire disciplines are devoted to each of these areas. Moreover, there is a difference between topic experts, who have an intimate knowledge of the clinical aspect of the study, and methodological experts who specialize on study design and biostatistical analysis. It is up to the surgeon researcher to determine whether they can fulfil both roles or should seek support for either or both roles. Ultimately, rigorous research methods are critical to continuing to improve evidence-based standard of practice in order to sustain clinical innovations, protect the scope of OMS, and most importantly enhance patient outcomes in OMS.