Characterizing clinical skill acquisition: Face symmetry assessment abilities in orthodontists

Jackson, Tate H; Nguyen, Tung T; Clark, Kait; Lee, Jessica Y; Proffit, William R; Mitroff, Stephen R

Abstract

Objectives: Assessing face symmetry is key to diagnosis in dentistry. By comparing performance on tests of visual cognition (symmetry assessment) across dental students, orthodontics residents, orthodontics faculty, and untrained controls, we explored the nature and development of this ability. With a better understanding of how this clinical skill is acquired and enhanced, methodology and curricula in both pre- and post-doctoral dental education may be perfected.
Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 12 dental students, 16 orthodontics residents, 15 orthodontics faculty members, and 33 control participants completed a series (228 trials per participant) of tasks validated by Rhodes et al. and Evans et al. to assess symmetry (two-alternative forced-choice judgments between upright faces, inverted faces, and dot patterns). Participants also completed questionnaires to gather demographic information, data about clinical practice, level of education, and self-confidence ratings of symmetry assessment abilities using the Royal College of Physicians Confidence Rating Scale.
Results: Accuracy in assessing face symmetry varied between groups (MANOVA, F=4.07, p=0.001), with residents showing robust symmetry assessment expertise compared to controls (p

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: International Association for Dental Research
• Start Date: Mar 1, 2013
• End Date: Mar 1, 2013
• Acceptance Date: Jan 1, 2013
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2013
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/934005
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : International Association for Dental Research