Using the SMART design (Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomised Trial) the researchers conducted a novel feasibility study in conjunction with a trial. The results have shown how studies with personalised medicine designs which incorporate patients’ own outcome measures, along with clinical results, could be considered as a viable design for clinical research trials in periodontology.
In periodontology, when bone loss occurs between the roots of multirooted teeth, a furcation involvement (FI) ensues. Furcation involvement will affect the prognosis of a tooth, with the most advanced grade III having the worst chances of tooth survival over time. To date, no clear guidelines for the best treatment for grade III FI exist.
Priya Bahal, academic clinical fellow from King’s College London, said, "Our study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility of using a SMART trial design in periodontology and it was the first randomised trial on the topic of grade III FI molar teeth.
“Findings revealed that open flap debridement led to greater reductions in probing pocket depths compared to non-surgical therapy and notably, it highlighted the importance of combining clinical and patient-reported outcomes.”
The study also introduced the idea of patient-centred research through the involvement of a ‘patient champion’ as a co-investigator. The 'patient champion' was involved in several aspects of the study, from planning to participation in steering committee and data interpretation and manuscript preparation. It is the first time that a patient champion has had this level of involvement as co-author in a randomised trial in periodontology.
The results demonstrate the feasibility of SMART designs in periodontology and beyond and set the scene for future research studies to utilise more adaptable, personalised approaches.
The research was selected to be presented at the EuroPerio Conference in May 2025 for the Jaccard Prize, being awarded the runner-up prize.