The Use of Digital Study Models and Perceptions Towards Existing Digital Model Software in Orthodontic Practice
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The purpose of this project was to determine what demographic factors, if any, lead to private practice orthodontists creating digital models and then taking the additional step of using these models in treatment planning. A 22-question survey, approved by the UMKC IRB, was constructed and distributed to 2,300 private practice orthodontists by email through the American Association of Orthodontists Partners in Research program. Orthodontic residency graduation year, gender, primary office location, and the use of other digital health records were just a few of the demographics examined in the survey. The survey was divided into two domains, orthodontist demographics and orthodontic office demographics. Additional questions addressed observational items such as the likes and dislikes of the software the orthodontist is currently using. Demographic factors were coded and one-way ANOVA testing was performed with a significance level of α = 0.05. Overall, this study found a statistically significant association between orthodontist and orthodontic office demographics with the practitioner creating digital models and using of these models in treatment planning. In particular, recent orthodontic residents were more likely to create digital models. Orthodontists in certain geographic regions and that used digital dental records were also more likely to create digital models. No other statistically significant results were found and no factors showed a significant association with digital treatment planning; however, the majority of the respondents did create digital models. Observational questions revealed that cost and the preference for plaster models were the two main reasons orthodontists did not use digital models. Another interesting observation was that several orthodontists felt that photographs eliminate the need for models. This survey revealed that the top four programs used for digital models and treatment planning were OrthoCAD®, OrthoTrac®, Invisalign® ClinCheck®, and SureSmile®.
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Introduction -- Materials and methods -- Results -- Discussion -- Conclusions -- Appendix A. Survey -- Appendix B, Focus group evaluation form -- Appendix C. Survey email prompt -- Appendix D. Informed script for survey -- Appendix E. IRB approval letter -- Appendix F. Composite score
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M.S.