title: Posterior composites: evaluations without trials?
abstract: Clinical trials for the evaluation of restorative materials are time-consuming, expensive and often based on subjectively assessed criteria. By the conclusion of a clinical trial materials are often obsolete. A DHSS-commissioned programme at the Liverpool School of Dentistry is in progress where clinical and laboratory evaluations of materials are being carried out in parallel with a view to correlating the results. The structure and scope of the programme is discussed and the value of establishing short-term laboratory tests predictive of clinical performance is considered. Preliminary observations emerging from the programme are discussed.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cunningham
mesh_terms: D001641:Bicuspid; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003188:Composite Resins; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008963:Molar
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins