The ABO discrepancy index: a measure of case complexity

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Diagnostics
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• Case difficulty in orthodontic examinations is often subjective.
• Objective measures are needed to assess orthodontic case complexity.
• The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) sought a quantifiable method for evaluating clinical cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe the ABO's developed discrepancy index.
• To explain the components of the discrepancy index used in orthodontic diagnosis.
• To discuss the potential application of this index in the ABO Phase III clinical examination.

Main Methods:

• Development and field-testing of a discrepancy index over five years.
• Identification of measurable clinical entities with generally accepted norms.
• Quantification of common orthodontic diagnostic elements including overjet, overbite, crowding, and specific cephalometric angles.

Main Results:

• The discrepancy index comprises objective, measurable orthodontic diagnostic criteria.
• A higher number of identified conditions correlates with increased case complexity.
• The index provides a quantifiable measure of orthodontic challenges.

Conclusions:

• The discrepancy index offers an objective approach to assessing orthodontic case difficulty.
• This tool can enhance the fairness and consistency of the ABO Phase III examination.
• Further consideration is being given to the implementation of the discrepancy index.