Comparative performance of undergraduate students in objectively structured practical examinations and conventional orthodontic practical examinations

This study was conducted on 52 final year BDS students of Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore to compare their performance in Objectively structured practical examinations [OSPE] and Conventional Orthodontic practical examination [CPE].A mock examination, comprising of CPE and OSPE was conducted in the Orthodontic department for summative assessment before the final professional university examination. In CPE, students were evaluated by different examiners and it comprised of a practical component and viva voce. The practical component included a Cephalometric tracing, analysis and diagnosis along with the fabrication of removable appliance. This was followed by a long viva. CPE comprised of total 40 marks. There were eight OSPE stations where Orthodontic appliances, data [Cephalograms, OPG, dental cast] and case scenarios were placed. Each station required 5 minutes of time. Different sets of questions were given for each of these stations. Answer keys were prepared before hand. For each station, 05 marks were allocated and eight stations had total 40 marks. Pass marks for both examinations were set at 50%. A comparison of the results of two methods was done by applying "chi square" test. Cross tabulation was done to evaluate that a student performing well in one mode is also performing well in other or not. In the OSPE examination 46 candidates were declared as successful [33 females and 13 males] while 6 were declared unsuccessful [4 females and 2 males]. In CPE 50 were successful [36 females and 14 male] and 2 failed to satisfy the examiners. [1 female and 1 male]. There was a noteworthy difference in the result generated by both assessment tools as the p-value [p=0.007] is statistically significant. Although more candidates were successful through CPE but the performance [marks obtained] of students was better in OSPE then CPE. As OSPE is more objective and reliable tool, it can supplement the time-tested Conventional assessment methods in undergraduate Orthodontic examinations

Mandibular arch form analyses: a comparison between results of two different methods

This study was conducted to determine the morphology ofmandibular dental arch forms. Two different methods were used for this purpose and compared to find out the frequency distribution. It was conducted on 100patients visiting Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore. Dental casts were photocopied and investigated to find out the square, tapering and ovoid arch forms. A mathematical model of arch form determination advocated by Noroozi and superimposition oforthoform templates were the two methods used. A comparison of frequency distribution for the results of two methods was carried out by applying [Chi square] test. Cross tabulation was done to study the congruence of the two methods on various arch forms. Frequency distribution of ovoid, square and tapering arch forms was 74%, 14%and 12% respectively by Noroozi's mathematical model and 56%, 7% and 37% respectively by the orthoform templates.There was a noteworthy difference in frequency distribution of arch forms according to the two methods. The p-value [p <0.001] was statistically significant. However both methods showed ovoid arch form as the most prevalent in the sample

Arch form analyses: a comparison of two different methods

This study determines and compares the frequency distribution and results of two methods establishing morphology of the dental arch form. It was conducted on 250 patients visiting Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore. The casts were measured and photocopied, which were analyzed first by using a mathematical model as advocated by Noroozi3 and then by superimposing orthoform templates to determine the arch forms. The dental arches were classified into square, ovoid, and tapered forms to determine and compare the frequency distributions between the two methods. The comparison between results of both methods was made by applying chi square test. Cross tabulation was done to observe the congruence of two methods on different arch forms. According to Noroozi's mathematical model, frequency distribution of ovoid, square and tapering arch forms was found to be 82%, 64%and 11.2% respectively while according to orthoform templates those were 53.2%, 9.2% and 37.6% respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between results of two methods [P<.001]. The ovoid arch form was most common arch form according to both methods. There was a statistically significant difference in the results of two methods as well as their frequency distribution

Molar distalization with modified palatal distalizer

The aim of the study was to introduce a modified palatal molar distalizer and evaluate its dental effects. 20 Adolescent and post adolescent patients [6 boys, 14 girls] with crowded upper arch and class II canine relationship were included in this study. The skeletal pattern of these patients was class I, II or bimaxillary hypoplasia. This study analyzed the maxillary first molar distalization with intervention device-The Modified Palatal Distalizer, its effects on the anchor teeth as well as on the maxillary second molars. The appliance was composed of four premolar bands, two first molar bands, wider Nance and 15mm Ni-Ti coil springs [0.012x0.032] applied on the palatal surface delivering 240gms of force. The period of appliance wear was 7.7months. Maxillary first molars were distalized bodily with minimal anchorage loss [11.1%] compared to 88.9% molar distal movement. An average of 5.39mm bodily distalization of the maxillary first molars was attained. The distal movement of maxillary second molars was recorded 4.35mm. Numerical data was statistically analyzed using paired t-test [SPSS version 12]. The modified palatal distalizer is an effective and reliable device producing bodily molar distalization, besides being cost effective