Investigation of inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability using digital dental software for prosthodontics crown preparations

Abstract

Introduction Since the introduction of the digital dental assessment systems, there has been a shift towards this trend as it appears to provide a more accurate, reliable, time efficient, and reproducible assessment. The Planmeca Emerald scanner coupled with Romexis Compare software allows students and staff to objectively assess individual crown preparations, receive numerical values of key dimensions, and subsequently undergo comparison with ideal crown preparation dimensions. Objectives To measure the inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability using the intra‐oral scanner and Romexis Compare for prosthodontic crown preparations, and to evaluate the possible implementation of this software as a grading and self‐assessment tool in a preclinical setting. Methods The Planmeca scanner and Romexis Compare were used to compare the difference between 30 experimental preparations (n = 15 anterior teeth, n = 15 posterior teeth) with their respective unprepared typodont teeth. Three student examiners (W., K., V.) independently scanned the typodont teeth in pre‐formed standardized and non‐standardized putty jigs. Each preparation was measured from facial, lingual, incisal/occlusal, and margin surfaces. A second trial was completed after 2 weeks to assess intra‐rater reliability. The data were tabulated, graphed, and analyzed using SPSS and GraphPad Prism. Results The results of the study show greater consistencies in inter‐operator measurements for anterior teeth. Some variations, however, were found in posterior teeth measurements between the operators. The results of the intra‐rater measurements appear to be relatively consistent. Conclusion With some limitations, Romexis Compare can be used as a reliable and repeatable method for objective and consistent evaluation of student prosthodontic preparations in a preclinical setting.

Inter-rater reliability and preparation features for diverse grading scales analyzing computer-based grading of 1465 preparations Running title: Inter-rater reliability and preparation features analyzing 1465 preparations

“…An investigation of intra-and inter-rater reliability using the Planmeca Emerald IOS and Romexis Compare software showed greater agreement in inter-rater measurement for anterior teeth. The intra-rater measurements showed relative consistency in the results [19]. Unfortunately, only anterior teeth were examined in this study, making it di cult to compare to the present results for posterior teeth.…”

“…Grading can be easily reproduced with the same objective unbiased results and therefore can prevent disagreement between students and instructors about the grades awarded. Moreover, it can be a time saver for lecturers [19]. Students can further improve their practical skills through the constant feedback [17].…”

“…Both commercially available and own individual software solutions have been presented. In these methods, the preparations are scanned and evaluated in software, such as with the PrepCheck software (Dentsply Sirona GmbH, Bensheim, Germany), the Romexis Compare software (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland), the KaVo PREPassistant system (KaVo Dental GmbH, Biberach, Germany), the CPSES (Cavity Preparation Skill Evaluation System), or individual software programs such as the D4D E4D Compare software [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Many of today's software solutions are coupled with an intraoral scanner (IOS).…”

3D Digital technology as an alternative educational tool in preclinical dentistry

“…These results may allow us to consider implementing digital assessment in preclinical operative education without compromising quality of education. Previous studies have also shown promising results of digital assessment compared with conventional assessment as a more accurate evaluation tool 13,19‐22 . Callan et al demonstrated that CAD/CAM presented a high level of precision to analyse the tooth preparations 23 .…”

“…Previous studies have also shown promising results of digital assessment compared with conventional assessment as a more accurate evaluation tool. 13,[19][20][21][22] Callan et al demonstrated that CAD/CAM presented a high level of precision to analyse the tooth preparations. 23 Similarly, other studies showed that CAD/CAM precision was comparable to, 24 or even greater 9,25 than the conventional assessment performed by faculty members.…”