title: Periodontal Research: Basics and beyond - Part I (Defining the research problem, study design and levels of evidence).
abstract: Research in the field of periodontology has witnessed a tremendous upsurge in the last two decades unveiling newer innovations in techniques, methodologies, and material science. The recent focus in periodontal research is an evidence-based approach which offers a bridge from science to clinical practice. This three part review series intends to take a reader through a maze of periodontal research, unraveling and simplifying various issues in the design, conduct and interpretation of various study designs routinely used in the field of periodontal research. This understanding would facilitate a researcher with a focused and an enhanced vision toward formulating studies which can more efficiently translate sound scientific phenomena into clinically meaningful results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Vikarabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Haritha
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Avula
authors.forename: Ruchi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pandey
authors.forename: Vijayalakshmi
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bolla
authors.forename: Harika
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: Jaya Kumar
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Avula
keywords: Evidence based; periodontal; research; research question; study design