title: Variability in recording and grading the need for orthodontic treatment using the handicapping malocclusion assessment record, occlusal index and dental aesthetic index.
abstract: This investigation evaluates three malocclusion treatment need indices, the Handicapping Malocclusion Assessment Record (HMAR), the Occlusal Index (OI) and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), for reliability and inter-index correlation. Pretreatment study models of 30 cases (mean age 12.9 years, SD 1.2) were assessed using each index. All the indices demonstrated a high level of reliability and non could be selected over the other with regards intra-examiner differences. The DAI, however, was more time-saving (2.68 mins, SD 0.41) and simple to use. The highest correlation was between HMAR and OI (r = 0.87, P < 0.001) which is a reflection of the similarity in their design. This study also discusses the limitations of the three indices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Mddx, England.
authors.forename: O D
authors.initials: OD
authors.lastname: Otuyemi
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Noar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003792:Dental Records; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D003765:Models, Dental; D015588:Observer Variation; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors