Evaluation of orthodontic treatment outcome: a personal clinical audit using the PAR index (peer assessment rating).

Abstract

Although various methods have been used to evaluate orthodontic treatment outcome, the PAR index (Peer Assessment Rating) was recently developed for the purpose of assessing treatment standards. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the treatment standard of 52 consecutively treated cases during orthodontic postgraduate training (1991-1993). The pre- and post-treatment study models were collected and analysed using the PAR index. The mean age at start of treatment and the mean treatment duration was 13.6 (+/- 3.6) years and 15.9 (+/- 4.5) months respectively. Dual-arch fixed appliance was the predominant form of treatment employed. A high treatment standard was achieved as indicated by the mean PAR score reduction of 82.6 per cent. Most of the cases (92.3%) showed varying degree of improvement. Of the 4 (7.7%) cases classified as "worse or no difference", three were treated with removable appliances. With the exception of buccal occlusions, treatment showed strong improvement on individual PAR components. The shortcomings of the method of assessment are also discussed.