An evaluation of CASES--an educational audit programme for orthodontists

Area of Science:

• Dental Public Health
• Orthodontic Education
• Clinical Audit Methodology

Background:

• Clinical audit is crucial for improving orthodontic care quality.
• Effective continuing education models are needed for dental practitioners.
• A national audit programme requires a structured, evaluated framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate a regional approach to a national clinical audit programme in UK orthodontics.
• To assess the programme's effectiveness as a continuing education tool.
• To analyze participation rates and practitioner feedback.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the CRISIS criteria for effective continuing education design.
• Employed duplicate questionnaires with 6 simulated orthodontic patient scenarios.
• Collected data on participation rates from hospital-based and specialist practitioners.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 77% participation rate among hospital-based practitioners and 29% among specialist practitioners.
• Provided feedback via histograms, illustrating national approaches to patient investigation, treatment, and outcomes.
• Evaluation showed extensive use by hospital-based practitioners.

Conclusions:

• The regional model proved effective and efficient for clinical audit in orthodontics.
• The programme successfully delivered continuing education to the hospital-based practitioner group.
• This approach offers a valuable framework for national dental audit initiatives.