Non-clinical outcome measures in dentistry: publishing trends 1988-98

Objectives: To provide an overview of the use of non-clinical outcome measu res in dentistry and to identify trends and strengths and weaknesses in exi sting research. Methods: Literature searches using medical and social scien ces databases and stated inclusion and exclusion criteria. Categorisation a nd coding of accepted studies according to: concept of outcome, study desig n and standardisation of outcome measures used. Simple graphical and statis tical analysis used to identify trends in outcome measurement and strengths and weaknesses. Results: There has been a steady growth in non-clinical ou tcome measurement research in dentistry over the last 10 years. Most studie s have addressed dental knowledge, attitudes or behaviours (KAB), socio-den tal indicators or anxiety. Two-thirds of all studies have used non-standard ised outcome measures. Different concepts of outcome are associated with di fferent study designs and standardisation status of outcome measures used. Studies addressing dental "satisfaction" and KAB are more likely than avera ge to use non-validated measures. Conclusions: There needs to be more focus on the development of methods to assess the validity of nonclinical outcom e measures in dentistry. In addition more conceptual studies need to be und ertaken on the theoretical links between the different concepts of outcome found in the current study.