METHODS: Hundred fifty pre-orthodontic study casts comprised of 52 Malay, 54 Chinese, and 44 Indian patients were selected. Digital calipers (Fowler Pro-Max) linked to Hamilton Tooth Arch Software were used to measure the tooth width and ratios. Statistical analysis was carried out to test for gender differences (independent t-test), to identify the effects of malocclusion and ethnic groups (Two-way ANOVA), and to compare the means of the current study with Bolton's standards (one sample t-test).
RESULTS: This study showed that there was no significant difference between the genders of the sample of each ethnicity. There was no correlation found between ethnic groups and malocclusion classes. There was a significant difference when comparing Bolton values with the Malay sample for both ratios. It was found that more Malay subjects presented with maxillary excess contrary to Chinese and Indians who presented more maxillary deficiency for the anterior and overall ratio.
CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference found between the TSD of the three major ethnicities in Malaysia. The Bolton standards can be applied to Malaysian Chinese and Indians but not to Malays orthodontic populations for both anterior and overall ratios. Subsequently, a specific standard should be used for the Malays orthodontic population. It was found that more Malay subjects presented with maxillary excess contrary to Chinese and Indians who presented more maxillary deficiency for the anterior and overall ratio.
METHODS: The norm-referenced method of standard setting was applied to the real scores of 40 final-year dental students on a multiple-choice question (MCQ), a short answer question (SAQ), and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). A panel of 10 judges set the standard using the modified-Angoff method for the same paper in one sitting. One judge set the passing score of 10 OSCE questions after 2 weeks. A comparison of the grades and pass/fail rates derived from the absolute standard, norm-referenced, and modified-Angoff methods was made. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities of the modified-Angoff method were assessed.
RESULTS: The passing rate for the absolute standard was 100% (40/40), for the norm-referenced method it was 62.5% (25/40), and for the modified-Angoff method it was 80% (32/40). The modified-Angoff method had good inter-rater reliability of 0.876 and excellent test-retest reliability of 0.941.
CONCLUSION: There were significant differences in the outcomes of these three standard-setting methods, as shown by the difference in the proportion of candidates who passed and failed the assessment. The modified-Angoff method was found to have good reliability for use with a professional qualifying dental examination.
METHODS: One hundred-eleven adults and 105 children were consecutively recruited from three centers. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and ESS for Children and Adolescents were used for Risk stratifications for OSA and POSA.
RESULTS: The prevalence of patients seeking orthodontic treatment at high risk of OSA/POSA was 27.8%, where 26.1% were adults, and 29.5% were children. High risk for OSA/POSA was not associated with gender, ethnicity, age, Body Mass Index, or neck circumference.
CONCLUSION: Approximately 26% of adults and 30% of children seeking orthodontic care were at high risk for OSA and POSA. Screening for OSA and POSA among adults and children seeking orthodontic treatment is imperative.