ABSTRACT
Introduction: Orthodontic market has experienced remarkableevolution in the development and creation of orthodonticappliances that are designed to appeal the patients. With theadvent of newer technology like invention of CAD-CAMthe brackets travelled its life from a bulky metal appliance,to aesthetic brackets (ceramics and plastic brackets), lingualbracket systems and finally bracket-less approach (Invisalignand Clear Path). This, although enhanced the aesthetic aspect,but lost its dexterity to the common man due the increasingtreatment cost (Value). Study aimed at evaluation of Perceptionof Laypersons to Appearance of Orthodontic Appliances, theirAcceptance and value for money.Material and methods: A sample of 200 laypersons wereselected by simple random sampling. A questionnaire wasframed for evaluation of attractiveness, acceptability andvalue of orthodontic appliances as grouped from group 1 togroup 6 and distributed amongst laypersons. The statisticalanalysis was done using the Statistical Package for the SocialScience (SPSS version 22, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp) andDescriptive statistics were performed.Result: The attractiveness and acceptability of appliances goin favour of ceramic brackets with aesthetic arch wire andaesthetic ligature ties.Conclusion: But the practical acceptability of appliancesbased on three parameters conclusively favour ceramicbrackets with standard arch wire and metal ligature ties whichfulfils both the aesthetics and cost effectiveness.
ABSTRACT
This study explored the general public's perception of the clinical competence of residents. Methods: Individual interviews of laypersons, medical students, and residents and focus-group interviews of residents were conducted. Results: Individual interviews revealed the belief that residents acquired various clinical skills immediately after passing the national examination for medical practitioners. These skills included: assessment of the need for referrals, on-call jobs for after-hours and emergency services, interpreting X-ray films, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, performing surgery for appendicitis, and treating bone fractures and joint dislocations. Focus-group interviews revealed differences between residents and laypersons in the perception of residents' clinical skills. These skills included: general knowledge of diseases and medications, guidance about lifestyle after discharge, physical examinations, explanation of treatment, diagnostic imaging, and knowledge of or expertise in other medical professions. Conclusion: Laypersons and medical personnel have different perceptions about the clinical competence of residents.