A Shaloub1, M Addy. 1. Division of Restorative Dentistry, Dental School, Bristol, England.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Plaque scoring, using a variety of indices and methods, is widely used in clinical dentistry. There is limited information on inter- and intra-examiner variability and almost no data on examiner accuracy. AIMS: The aim of this study, was to determine the inter- and intra-examiner variability and accuracy of 15 examiners, of differing plaque-scoring experience, in recording and judging plaque areas from simulated plaque on tooth charts. METHODS: Plaque, shaded red, was drawn onto tooth charts of 8 simulated "patients" and measured by planimetry by 1 investigator. For each tooth for each "patient", examiners subjectively copied the plaque onto blank charts and scored plaque in 5% increments for the global plaque index. This was repeated on 2 occasions. Drawn plaque areas were determine by the investigator and comparisons made with the actual areas and % scores of plaque. RESULTS: For both plaque recording methods, intra-examiner variability was low and slightly better than inter-examiner variability. Reproducing plaque areas showed a high level of accuracy in most examiners, as was judging areas in 5% increments, albeit slightly less accurate than area drawing. Overall examiner experience had little influence on judging plaque areas. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that area-based plaque indices can be scored or recorded accurately and with minimal variability within or between examiners. The laboratory model could be used to train and assess examiners.
BACKGROUND: Plaque scoring, using a variety of indices and methods, is widely used in clinical dentistry. There is limited information on inter- and intra-examiner variability and almost no data on examiner accuracy. AIMS: The aim of this study, was to determine the inter- and intra-examiner variability and accuracy of 15 examiners, of differing plaque-scoring experience, in recording and judging plaque areas from simulated plaque on tooth charts. METHODS: Plaque, shaded red, was drawn onto tooth charts of 8 simulated "patients" and measured by planimetry by 1 investigator. For each tooth for each "patient", examiners subjectively copied the plaque onto blank charts and scored plaque in 5% increments for the global plaque index. This was repeated on 2 occasions. Drawn plaque areas were determine by the investigator and comparisons made with the actual areas and % scores of plaque. RESULTS: For both plaque recording methods, intra-examiner variability was low and slightly better than inter-examiner variability. Reproducing plaque areas showed a high level of accuracy in most examiners, as was judging areas in 5% increments, albeit slightly less accurate than area drawing. Overall examiner experience had little influence on judging plaque areas. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that area-based plaque indices can be scored or recorded accurately and with minimal variability within or between examiners. The laboratory model could be used to train and assess examiners.