Evaluation of a Newly Designed Computerized Data Base for Clinical Orthodontic Decision.

Abstract

Aims: To prepare a newly designed diagnostic digital chart for orthodontic patients, and to help orthodontist making decision in term of diagnosis and treatment planning by using Access program to determine the ideal orthodontic treatment of a patient to provide optimum orthodontic appliances for such treatment. Materials and Methods: A newly designed diagnostic digital chart for orthodontic patients was designed using Access program containing sixteen program forms of examination, diagnosis and treatment plan. In order to evaluate this newly designed digital chart, Multiple Linear Regression Analysis was used. This analysis aims to reveal the importance, strength and direction of factors (26 independent variables= constant variables) and their effects on the 12 dependent variables (random variables) [parameter estimation],all of which representing the information and data taken from fifty randomly selected orthodontic patients' files available in the Department of Orthodontics-College of Dentistry-University of Mosul, who were treated with removable appliances by dental students of fifth class during year 2007-2008. The effects of the independent variables vary in negative or positive way, or even may have zero effect depend on the studied dependent variable. Results :R square measures the proportion of the variability in the dependent variable about the origin explained by regression. The least variability is in y1(right 1 st molar occlusion),where as the highest one in y4(left canine occlusion),{R-Sq for y 1 =0.0%, y2=57.8%, y3= 41.1%, y4=65.6%, y5=32.0%, y6 = 50.9%, y7= 60.5% , y8=62.8%, y9=51.6%, y19=61 .3%, y11=28.2% and y12=51.5%}, each value representing the importance, strength and direction of independent factors and their effects on the dependent factors. Conclusions: New digital orthodontic examination and diagnosis chart was prepared. The creation of a digital chart that combines the use of information technology with a consistent analysis to aid orthodontic diagnosis will be a relevant contribution to the improvement of orthodontic care in POP