An Electronic Screening System for Oral Health Examination and Collection of Critical Data in a Nonclinical Setting:...

To evaluate the reliability, ease, and efficiency of data entry for an oral health screening app that allows iPad® entry of data, including permanent versus deciduous teeth present, visual image comparison grading of demineralization/caries, fluorosis, periodontal inflammation, oral hygiene status, identification of sealants/restorations, dental trauma, orthodontic malocclusion, mandibular joint dysfunction, and early childhood caries.

89 consented children were examined first by a public health dental hygienist in a dental office reception area and then by a dentist in a treatment operatory. The same research associate was used to prompt and record both examinations.

The screenings prompted by the electronic oral health screening system were completed in 2 to 3 minutes each with favorable levels of comparison between examiners as assessed by weighted Kappa scores measuring 0.531 for all teeth examined, with the lower back teeth showing the greatest agreement (K = 0.601) and the upper back and upper front demonstrating less agreement (K = 0.446 and 0.468, respectively). Neither examiner identified any carious lesions among the lower front teeth.

This study provides the first description of an oral health screening entry app with visual image comparisons and touchscreen data entry for efficient collection of oral health information.