The Use of Digital Study Models and Perceptions Towards Existing Digital Model Software in Orthodontic Practice
Abstract
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®.
Table of Contents
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
Degree
M.S.