title: Computer-aided Learning (CAL): an effective way to teach the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN)?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify if a lecture or access to a computer aided learning (CAL) programme is more effective in teaching undergraduate dental students IOTN.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  University Dental Hospital of Manchester, 1999
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-five 3rd year undergraduate dental students allocated by pseudo-randomisation to two groups. The first group received a lecture and seminar on IOTN, and the second group were given a seminar and access to a purpose written CAL programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  A standard test was given to the two groups in the form of ten sets of patient records that they had to score with IOTN Dental Health Component (DHC) and Aesthetic Component (AC).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no difference in mean score for the two groups with AC score (5.02 and 5.03). The CAL group of students performed best for DHC grade (mean score 5.41 compared with 4.24 for lecture group) and this was statistically significant (p < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Undergraduate dental students can learn to use IOTN as well or better when using a CAL programme compared with a lecture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Medicine and Surgery, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: C I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Bearn
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000175:diagnosis; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009970:Orthodontics / Q000193:education*; D018401:Sample Size