Clinical trials evaluating desensitising agents. Some design and analysis issues.

The purpose of this short communication is to draw attention to an efficient design for trials to evaluate desensitising agents, and an appropriate statistical analysis. Two recent sensitivity trials conducted by the Bristol Dental School Clinical Trials Group are reviewed. The methodology used was effective to establish efficacy of the products evaluated. This methodology is recommended for wider use. Effective clinical trial methodology enables establishment of efficacy of desensitising products leading to patient benefit.