PRIFED 2026 Preferred items checklist to report finite element studies in dentistry

Finite Element (FE) analysis is widely used in dental biomechanics, but studies often suffer from insufficient reporting and lack of standardization. This study aimed to develop a consensus-based checklist PRIFED 2026 for improving the transparency, reproducibility, and clinical relevance of FE studies in dentistry. A Delphi process involving 22 international experts was conducted in two stages. Participants, experts in dental FE analysis, reviewed preliminary items derived from existing guidelines and literature. Through three online surveys, panellists rated 86 sub-items on a 9-point Likert scale. Items reaching ≥70% consensus for inclusion were retained. Three online meetings were in parallel held to resolve ambiguities and refine checklist items. The response rate was 76% in the first round, and 18 experts completed the full process. After three rounds, 71 sub-items were included in the final checklist. Notably, 27% of items failed to reach consensus in the first round, reflecting ongoing debate in FE methodology. The checklist covers study design, model construction, boundary conditions, validation, and interpretation of results. The PRIFED 2026 checklist provides a comprehensive and consensus-based framework for reporting FE studies in dentistry. It highlights essential methodological components, including model construction, boundary conditions, and validation strategies, to promote transparency and reproducibility.