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Each row is one question a systematic review asked: who, what, compared with what, and which outcome, with the effect it found and how certain that is. Words match anywhere in the field.

Limit to evidence status or GRADE (optional)

515 questions in 19 reviews · cluster CL0076

current versions
No studies 19 · 3.7%Ungraded 449 · 87.2%Very low 17 · 3.3%Low 23 · 4.5%Moderate 7 · 1.4%High 0 · 0%

Ungraded means an effect was reported without a GRADE rating; it is not a gap. No studies means the review found nothing to answer the question. The six categories are a display order, not a score.

Intervention categories, outcome domains and clusters are a proposed key pending human validation. Clear all filters

QuestionEffectEvidenceStatus / GRADE
Conventional bitewing radiography, D-speed film vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard)
Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Caries detection level
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021)
Specificity 0.96 [0.91, 0.99]2 studiesUngraded
Oral cytology (e.g. brush cytology, OralCDx brush biopsy) vs Surgical or punch biopsy with histological assessment
Specificity · Adults (aged 16 years or over) presenting to primary or secondary care with clinically evident suspicious or innocuous…
Diagnostic tests for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders in patients presenting with clinically… (2021) · Cochrane
Specificity 0.94 [0.88, 0.97]20 studiesModerate
Mouth self-examination (MSE) vs Reference standard: examination and clinical evaluation by a physician/clinician with specialist knowledge or training (long-term follow-up accepted for those screened negative)
Specificity for detection of oral cavity cancer/OPMD · Apparently healthy adults not reporting symptoms of OPMD or OSCC, attending an organised screening or surveillance…
Clinical assessment for the detection of oral cavity cancer and potentially malignant disorders in… (2021) · Cochrane
Summary of findings 2 (no pooled analysis): specificity 1.00 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.00), 0.95 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.99), 0.44 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.70), and 0.54 (95% CI 0.37 to 0.69) across the 4 studies. Certainty VERY LOW.4 studies · 35059 participantsVery low
Conventional bitewing radiography (D-speed film) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
DOR 1.94 [0.46, 8.17]1 studyUngraded
Visual examination (VE) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard)
Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (1/3 dentin detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · 1/3 dentin detection level
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021)
Sensitivity 0.93 [0.77, 0.98]1 studyUngraded
Visual or visual-tactile classification systems (any system: ICDAS, ERK, Nyvad, Downer, Lussi, UniViSS, or unspecified) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, radiographs/microCT, or tooth separation)
Specificity for detection of enamel caries · Asymptomatic children or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted teeth of children… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Medium prevalence of dentine caries (15% to 34%)
Visual or visual‐tactile examination to detect and inform the diagnosis of enamel caries (2021) · Cochrane
Specificity 0.80 [0.71, 0.86]NRUngraded
Conventional oral examination (COE)/visual inspection vs Reference standard: examination and clinical evaluation by a physician/clinician with specialist knowledge or training (long-term follow-up accepted for those screened negative)
Specificity for detection of oral cavity cancer/OPMD · Apparently healthy adults not reporting symptoms of OPMD or OSCC, attending an organised screening or surveillance…
Clinical assessment for the detection of oral cavity cancer and potentially malignant disorders in… (2021) · Cochrane
Summary of findings 1 (no pooled analysis): for the 7 low-prevalence studies specificity ranged from 0.94 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.97) to 0.99 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.00); for the 3 higher-prevalence studies specificity ranged from…10 studies · 25568 participantsLow
Conventional bitewing radiography (F-speed film) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
AUC 0.822 studiesUngraded
Visual examination (VE) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard)
Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Dentin detection level
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021)
DOR 13.26 [1.44, 122.51]1 studyUngraded
Visual examination (VE) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
DOR 2.14 [0.73, 6.28]2 studiesUngraded
Radiographic imaging methods (any: analogue radiographs, digital radiographs, or CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination)
Sensitivity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Sensitivity analysis: low dentine-caries prevalence <15%
Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.34 [0.25, 0.45]NRUngraded
Electrical conductance devices (electronic caries monitor (ECM) and/or CarieScan Pro), used as an adjunct to clinical oral examination vs Reference standard: histology or enhanced visual examination (with or without radiographs)
Sensitivity · Children, adolescents, or adults presenting asymptomatically or suspected of early enamel caries (in vivo), or… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Primary dentition
Electrical conductance for the detection of dental caries (2021) · Cochrane
Primary dentition (3 studies): sensitivity ranged from 0.91 to 0.93. No evidence of a difference in accuracy by dentition (removing accuracy covariate: Chi2=3.15, df=1, P=0.08).3 studiesUngraded
Conventional bitewing radiography (D-speed film) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
DOR 2.59 [1.24, 5.44]1 studyUngraded
Combined index tests (e.g. vital staining plus light-based detection or cytology) vs Surgical or punch biopsy with histological assessment
Sensitivity · Adults (aged 16 years or over) presenting to primary or secondary care with clinically evident suspicious or innocuous…
Diagnostic tests for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders in patients presenting with clinically… (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.78 [0.45, 0.94]9 studiesVery low
Conventional bitewing radiography (F-speed film) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
Sensitivity 0.50 [0.22, 0.79]2 studiesUngraded
Visual examination (VE) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the 1/3 dentin caries detection level (Ekstrand; D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
Specificity 0.88 [0.83, 0.92]2 studiesUngraded
Visual examination (VE) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
Sensitivity 0.59 [0.52, 0.67]3 studiesUngraded
Visual classification: ERK (Ekstrand-Ricketts-Kidd system) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, radiographs/microCT, or tooth separation)
Sensitivity for detection of enamel caries · Asymptomatic children or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted teeth of children… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies)
Visual or visual‐tactile examination to detect and inform the diagnosis of enamel caries (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.85 [0.74, 0.92]15 studiesUngraded
Radiographic imaging methods (any: analogue radiographs, digital radiographs, or CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination)
Sensitivity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Reference standard: histology (non-CBCT)
Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.46 [0.39, 0.53]64 studiesUngraded
Electrical conductance devices (electronic caries monitor (ECM) and/or CarieScan Pro), used as an adjunct to clinical oral examination vs Reference standard: histology or enhanced visual examination (with or without radiographs)
Outcome NR · Samples with a low (<15%) prevalence of caries into dentine (d3/D3); target condition = non-cavitated enamel caries. · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies)
Electrical conductance for the detection of dental caries (2021) · Cochrane
No eligible studies. 'No studies reported the inclusion of a low prevalence (0% to 14%) of d3/D3 of tooth surfaces'; all included studies reported d3/D3 prevalence of 15% or above, so the planned low-prevalence…0 studiesNo studies
Visual examination (VE) vs Direct visual examination after tooth separation or bioptical cavity preparation
Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Patients with permanent posterior teeth, proximal surfaces assessed clinically (in vivo) · Dentin detection level
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021)
Sensitivity 0.32 [0.07, 0.74]2 studiesUngraded
Visual examination (VE) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard)
Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Dentin detection level
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021)
Specificity 0.99 [0.94, 0.999]1 studyUngraded
Visual examination (VE) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard)
Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (1/3 dentin detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · 1/3 dentin detection level
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021)
DOR 67.0 [14.7, 304.9]1 studyUngraded
Fluorescence-based devices vs Dental imaging (analog or digital radiographs)
Difference in sensitivity · Children or adults asymptomatic or suspected of enamel caries; extracted teeth · Analysis 1: fully within-person comparison
Enamel Caries Detection and Diagnosis: An Analysis of Systematic Reviews. (2021)
Difference in sensitivity 0.23 [0.05, 0.39]19 studies · 2849 participantsUngraded
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination)
Specificity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Occlusal surfaces (CBCT)
Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane
Specificity 0.54 [0.31, 0.75]NRUngraded
Radiographic imaging methods (any: analogue radiographs, digital radiographs, or CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination)
Sensitivity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies)
Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.47 [0.40, 0.53]77 studiesLow
Light-based detection and/or oral spectroscopy (e.g. ViziLite, VELscope, Microlux DL, Identafi 3000) vs Surgical or punch biopsy with histological assessment
Sensitivity · Adults (aged 16 years or over) presenting to primary or secondary care with clinically evident suspicious or innocuous…
Diagnostic tests for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders in patients presenting with clinically… (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.87 [0.78, 0.93]23 studiesLow
Conventional bitewing radiography (E-speed film) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
Sensitivity 0.76 [0.61, 0.87]2 studiesUngraded
Fibre-optic transillumination (FOTI) vs Histological validation (in vitro) or direct visual examination after tooth separation / bioptical cavity preparation (in vivo)
Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection · Permanent posterior teeth, proximal surfaces (in vitro extracted teeth and in vivo patients)
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021)
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
COE with vital rinsing (toluidine blue/tolonium chloride) vs Conventional oral examination (COE) alone
Sensitivity (COE alone arm) · OSCC or OPMD symptom-free individuals with tobacco habits
Clinical assessment for the detection of oral cavity cancer and potentially malignant disorders in… (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.50 [0.12, 0.88]1 study · 3895 participantsModerate
COE with vital rinsing (toluidine blue/tolonium chloride) vs Conventional oral examination (COE) alone
Sensitivity (COE plus vital rinsing arm) · OSCC or OPMD symptom-free individuals with tobacco habits
Clinical assessment for the detection of oral cavity cancer and potentially malignant disorders in… (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.40 [0.05, 0.85]1 study · 4080 participantsModerate
Transillumination and optical coherence tomography devices (all illumination devices combined: NIR, OCT, and FOTI/DIFOTI) vs Reference standard: histology, or enhanced visual examination with or without radiographs (also operative excavation, tooth separation, or microcomputed tomography)
Sensitivity for detection of enamel/early caries · Children or adults presenting asymptomatically or suspected of having enamel caries (clinical/in vivo studies);… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo; in vitro no limit if stored appropriately)
Transillumination and optical coherence tomography for the detection and diagnosis of enamel caries (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.75 [0.62, 0.85]23 studiesLow
Digital bitewing radiography, sensor-based (CCD/CMOS) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard)
Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Caries detection level
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021)
AUC 0.7412 studiesUngraded
Visual or visual-tactile classification systems (any system: ICDAS, ERK, Nyvad, Downer, Lussi, UniViSS, or unspecified) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, radiographs/microCT, or tooth separation)
Specificity for detection of enamel caries · Asymptomatic children or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted teeth of children… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Low prevalence of dentine caries (0% to 14%)
Visual or visual‐tactile examination to detect and inform the diagnosis of enamel caries (2021) · Cochrane
Specificity 0.73 [0.51, 0.88]NRUngraded
Radiographic imaging methods (any: analogue radiographs, digital radiographs, or CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination)
Specificity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Setting: in vivo / clinical (non-CBCT)
Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane
Specificity 0.89 [0.78, 0.95]17 studiesUngraded
Conventional bitewing radiography (D-speed film) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
AUC 0.601 studyUngraded
Radiographic imaging methods (any: analogue radiographs, digital radiographs, or CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination)
Sensitivity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Occlusal surfaces (non-CBCT)
Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.45 [0.35, 0.54]NRUngraded
Mouth self-examination (MSE) vs Reference standard: examination and clinical evaluation by a physician/clinician with specialist knowledge or training (long-term follow-up accepted for those screened negative)
Sensitivity for detection of oral cavity cancer/OPMD · Apparently healthy adults not reporting symptoms of OPMD or OSCC, attending an organised screening or surveillance…
Clinical assessment for the detection of oral cavity cancer and potentially malignant disorders in… (2021) · Cochrane
Summary of findings 2 (no pooled analysis): sensitivity 0.18 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.24), 0.09 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.15), 0.43 (95% CI 0.24 to 0.63), and 0.33 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.65) across the 4 studies. Prevalence 0.6% to 63.6%.…4 studies · 35059 participantsVery low
Visual or visual-tactile classification systems (any system: ICDAS, ERK, Nyvad, Downer, Lussi, UniViSS, or unspecified) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, radiographs/microCT, or tooth separation)
Sensitivity for detection of enamel caries · Asymptomatic children or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted teeth of children… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Histology reference standard
Visual or visual‐tactile examination to detect and inform the diagnosis of enamel caries (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.87 [0.82, 0.90]NRUngraded
Conventional bitewing radiography (D-speed film) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
Sensitivity 0.42 [0.18, 0.69]1 studyUngraded
Radiographic imaging methods (any: analogue radiographs, digital radiographs, or CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination)
Sensitivity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Primary dentition (non-CBCT)
Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.52 [0.40, 0.63]NRUngraded
Fibre-optic transillumination (FOTI) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
DOR 38.33 [10.15, 144.77]1 studyUngraded
Radiographic imaging methods (any: analogue radiographs, digital radiographs, or CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination)
Sensitivity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Proximal surfaces (non-CBCT)
Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.47 [0.39, 0.55]NRUngraded
Radiographic imaging methods (any: analogue radiographs, digital radiographs, or CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination)
Specificity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Reference standard: enhanced visual (non-CBCT)
Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane
Specificity 0.91 [0.77, 0.97]8 studiesUngraded
Radiographic imaging methods (any: analogue radiographs, digital radiographs, or CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination)
Specificity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Reference standard: histology (non-CBCT)
Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane
Specificity 0.88 [0.83, 0.92]64 studiesUngraded
Visual or visual-tactile classification systems (any system: ICDAS, ERK, Nyvad, Downer, Lussi, UniViSS, or unspecified) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, radiographs/microCT, or tooth separation)
Specificity for detection of enamel caries · Asymptomatic children or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted teeth of children… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Permanent dentition
Visual or visual‐tactile examination to detect and inform the diagnosis of enamel caries (2021) · Cochrane
Specificity 0.76 [0.69, 0.83]NRUngraded
Visual examination (VE) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the 1/3 dentin caries detection level (Ekstrand; D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
Sensitivity 0.69 [0.51, 0.82]2 studiesUngraded
Conventional oral examination (COE)/visual inspection vs Reference standard: examination and clinical evaluation by a physician/clinician with specialist knowledge or training (long-term follow-up accepted for those screened negative)
Sensitivity for detection of oral cavity cancer/OPMD · Apparently healthy adults not reporting symptoms of OPMD or OSCC, attending an organised screening or surveillance…
Clinical assessment for the detection of oral cavity cancer and potentially malignant disorders in… (2021) · Cochrane
Summary of findings 1 (no pooled analysis): for the 7 studies with low prevalence (<=10%) sensitivity ranged from 0.50 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.93) to 0.99 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.00); for the 3 higher-prevalence studies…10 studies · 25568 participantsLow
Visual or visual-tactile classification systems (any system: ICDAS, ERK, Nyvad, Downer, Lussi, UniViSS, or unspecified) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, radiographs/microCT, or tooth separation)
Sensitivity for detection of enamel caries · Asymptomatic children or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted teeth of children… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), High prevalence of dentine caries (>= 35%)
Visual or visual‐tactile examination to detect and inform the diagnosis of enamel caries (2021) · Cochrane
Sensitivity 0.91 [0.86, 0.95]NRUngraded
Fibre-optic transillumination (FOTI) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography)
Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021)
Specificity 0.50 [0.34, 0.66]1 studyUngraded