Effects of criteria and checklists on reliability in preclinical evaluation

This study sought to expand and clarify research on intra- and interexaminer reliability in preclinical pedodontic grading. Six examiners graded 30 dentoform preparations using three different evaluation methods in a design that controlled the effects of order. The three methods were global (glance and grade), checklist with criteria (analytical), and checklist only. No method resulted in superior intra- or interexaminer reliability. The three evaluation methods can be easily adapted or replicated by other clinical disciplines, and the research design offers a model for similar studies in other preclinical and clinical dental settings.