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Inter- and Intrarater Reliability Using Different Software Versions of E4D Compare in Dental Education
Richard S Callan1, Jeril R Cooper2, Nancy B Young2
1Dr. Callan is Associate Professor and Chair, Department of General Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University; Dr. Cooper is Assistant Professor, Department of General Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University; Dr. Young is Instructor, Department of General Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University; Dr. Mollica is Assistant Professor, Department of General Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University; Dr. Furness is Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University; and Dr. Looney is Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University. rcallan@gru.edu.
A new E4D Compare software version significantly improved dental crown preparation assessment reliability. This technology, combined with the Nevo scanner, offers consistent results for educators evaluating preclinical student performance.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Digital Dentistry
- Restorative Dentistry
Background:
- Intra- and interexaminer reliability issues challenge dental educators in providing feedback on preclinical performance.
- Digital technologies are increasingly explored to enhance the accuracy and consistency of performance assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare two versions of E4D Compare software for reliable assessment of preclinical dental preparations.
- To determine if E4D Compare software provides consistent results regardless of the user.
Main Methods:
- Five faculty members captured E4D digital images of student preparations on typodont teeth.
- Images were compared to a master model using two E4D Compare software versions.
- Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) measured inter- and intrarater agreement.
Main Results:
- The older E4D Compare version showed unacceptable intra- and interrater agreement.
- The newer E4D Compare version, with the Nevo scanner, demonstrated high agreement levels.
- Both inter- and intrarater agreement were significantly improved with the newer software and scanner.
Conclusions:
- The older E4D Compare software is not suitable for reliable preclinical dental assessment.
- The newer E4D Compare software, coupled with the Nevo scanner, offers a reliable and consistent tool for dental educators.
- This technology, under the described protocol, can enhance the feedback process for dental students.
