Clinical practice guideline on the management of caries lesions in Pediatric Dentistry: development protocol

• Grant number: 24/14363-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Pediatric Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Daniela Prócida Raggio
• Grantee: Daniela Prócida Raggio
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Anelise Fernandes Montagner ; Fausto Medeiros Mendes ; José Carlos Pettorossi Imparato ; Mariana Minatel Braga Fraga ; Tamara Kerber Tedesco ; Thaís Gimenez Cóvos

Abstract

Dental caries remains a highly prevalent chronic disease affecting children and adolescents globally, despite ongoing preventive efforts. Effectively managing carious lesions is crucial, with a wide range of treatment options available depending on the lesion activity, location, and depth. Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are systematically developed statements designed to provide recommendations to guide healthcare practitioners in making informed decisions for specific clinical situations. Internationally, pediatric dental societies and organization develop open-access CPGs to ensure accessibility for all intended users. Thus, we aim to develop a CPG for managing carious lesions without pulp involvement in children and adolescents up to 18 years. A systematic literature search will be conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, TRIP, ADA Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry, and ProQuest for gray literature. Additionally, CPG websites such as AAPD, BSPD, GIN, EAPD, SDCEP, and Guideline Central will be consulted. A manual search and reference list checking of included studies will also be conducted. All included evidence will be critically appraised using the GRADE approach or Risk of Bias (RoB 2) tool. The development process will involve a multidisciplinary panel, including pediatric dentists, researchers, members of the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Dentistry, methodologists, and patient representatives. We will follow the AGREE reporting checklist which compress 23 items in six main domains to ensure transparency and reliability. Each draft recommendation will include a summary of the supporting evidence. The guideline will undergo external review and periodic updates to ensure efficacy. (AU)