Available online at www.ijmrhs.com I n t e rn a t i o n a l J o u r n a l of M e d ic a l R e s e arc h & H e a l t h S c i e n c es • I J M R H S • International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences, 2018, 7(12): ISSN No: 2319-5886 Evaluation of the Quality of Orthodontic Records in Comparison with the International Guidelines Dhiaa J. Aldabagh, Dheaa H. Al-Groosh, Akram Faisal Alhuwaizi and Harraa S. Mohammed-Salih* Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, Iraq *Corresponding e-mail: dr.harraas.ms@gmail.com ABSTRACT Background: Standardized orthodontic record is a fundamental initial step in orthodontic practice that aid in accurate diagnosis and problem list formulation to get the proper treatment plan. Aim of the study: To assess the accuracy of pre-treatment orthodontic records as appose to a specifc proposed standardized criterion. Material and Methods: A set of 78 patient records were recruited from a total sample size of 120 patients that fulflled the selection criteria. A set of study model with the dental radiograph (panoramic and lateral cephalometric) as well as patient photographs were evaluated with certain criteria which were approved by the European and American Board of Orthodontists (EBO), (ABO) respectively, and the level of their acceptance was analyzed by estimating the percentage value of each criterion. Results: Evaluating results of both study model and intraoral photograph (lateral and occlusal views) showed a high level of non-acceptance, while panoramic radiograph and extraoral photograph (frontal and lateral) and only frontal view of intraoral photograph showed a higher percentage of acceptance. The lack of a required number of the lateral cephalometric radiograph and the absence of oblique and relaxed smile views of facial photographs were prohibiting their evaluation. Conclusion: The fndings of this study indicate that more training courses may be needed for study model fabrication and intraoral photography by providing more facilities that aid in documenting with a total standardization. However, this may not be easily possible, but, it must be remembered that if it is not documented accurately, it is not valuable. Keywords: Orthodontic records, EBO, Study model, Photograph INTRODUCTION Orthodontic records are a fundamental aid, due to which its value cannot be neglected. Even diagnosis is dependent on standardized, accurate and reliable orthodontic records. The vital information which is required to diagnose a malocclusion and development of an orthodontic treatment plan consists of a comprehensive clinical examination including medical, dental, and social histories, models, photographs, panoramic and/or lateral cephalometric radiographs [1]. Each particular case requires specifc types of records to provide certain diagnostic information to the orthodontist to aid him/her in diagnosing and determining the best possible treatment plan. It is important to recognize that records are considered as an adjunct and are not used as a replacement for clinical examination [2,3]. Plaster study model has a long and proven history in orthodontics. They have been the “gold standard” in orthodontics, with advantages ranging from being a dental procedure routinely conducted, easily produced, inexpensiveness and simplicity of measurements to plaster casts being able to be mounted on an articulator for study in three-dimensions [4,5]. The panoramic radiograph is the universally used radiograph for orthodontic patients. However, in many patients with complex dental developmental disturbances and those with skeletal or functional abnormalities, additional radiographs may be necessary. Panoramic radiographs should be of suffcient quality to permit interpretation for diagnosis [6]. Cephalometric analysis and methods of superimposition are useful in monitoring the changes that are due to growth or a combination of growth and treatment [7]. Cephalograms are usually not required as adjuncts for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment in adults, or for cases involving the correction of a minor problem in children. However, if jaw 169 169-176