ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Using software for assessment of restorative work on typodonts in the simulation laboratory may enhance the objective evaluation of student work. The study aimed to evaluate the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability using 3-D scans from the Planmeca Emerald™ intra-oral scanner with Romexis Compare® software for assessing preparations for preformed metal crowns (PMCs). METHODS: Three operators independently recorded 3-D scans and digitally measured the features of 30 PMC preparations on typodont primary teeth (# 75). Using Romexis Compare® software, preparations were measured from mesial, distal and occlusal aspects. Measurements were repeated after 2 weeks. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to measure the reliability of measurements between operators and within the one operator. RESULTS: For measuring the extent of tooth reduction, there was excellent intra-rater reliability for each operator (ICC 0.96-0.99). The highest inter-rater reliability was for measurements of the occlusal surface (0.946 and 0.956), followed by the mesial surface (0.852 and 0.862) and then the distal surface (0.746 and 0.724). CONCLUSION: This method was useful and reliable for measuring features of PMC preparation, but with some limitations. Improving the software to provide specific assistance tools would empower greater uptake of this method as an adjunct to traditional visual grading tool in paediatric dentistry preclinical teaching.
