Objective: To compare the effectiveness of blended learning versus traditional learning in a cephalometric learning module for undergraduates. Materials and methods: This study was designed as a pre- and posttest trial. 150 undergraduates were randomly allocated to two groups: group 1 for traditional learning, and group 2, for blended learning. Pretest and posttest scores of both groups of 25 MCQs on cephalometrics were obtained. Feedback was obtained from the participants in this study and analyzed. Results: In group 1, the mean pretest and posttest scores were 13.87 and 16.10, respectively. In group 2, the mean value for the pretest and posttest scores were 14.01 and 22.18, respectively. The mean improvement in knowledge score was significantly higher in group 1 (2.233) compared to the mean score of group 2 (8.171). The level of statistical significance was P < .001. Feedback analysis showed the participants found the experience with Dolphin software better than traditional learning (Dolphin Cephalometric Imaging and Management software [version 11.8.24 Chatsworth,CA,USA]). For over 50% participants, their overall opinion on the cephalometric module was very good (score = 5). Conclusion: Blended learning increases the effectiveness of cephalometric learning by means of better student performance. Commercially available Cephalometric software can be used for e-learning instead of a specifically designed learning software.

Results from this random clinical trial showed that MBT technique effectively addressed perceived inadequacies of ROTH philosophy.

Aim:The aim of the study is to evaluate the reliability of soft tissue landmark identification between manual and digital plottings in both X and Y axes. Materials and methods:A total of 50 pretreatment lateral cephalograms were selected from patients who reported for orthodontic treatment. The digital images of each cephalogram were imported directly into Dolphin software for onscreen digitalization, while for manual tracing, images were printed using a compatible X-ray printer. After the images were standardized, and 10 commonly used soft tissue landmarks were plotted on each cephalogram by six different professional observers, the values obtained were plotted in X and Y axes. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to determine the intrarater reliability for repeated landmark plotting obtained by both the methods. Results:The evaluation for reliability of soft tissue landmark plottings in both manual and digital methods after subjecting it to interclass correlation showed a good reliability, which was nearing complete homogeneity in both X and Y axes, except for Y axis of throat point in manual plotting, which showed moderate reliability as a cephalometric variable. Intraclass correlation of soft tissue nasion had a moderate reliability along X axis. Soft tissue pogonion shows moderate reliability in Y axis. Throat point exhibited moderate reliability in X axis. Conclusion:The interclass correlation in X and Y axes shows high reliability in both hard tissue and soft tissue except for throat point in Y axis, when plotted manually.The intraclass correlation is more consistent and highly reliable for soft tissue landmarks and the hard tissue landmark identification is also consistent. an added advantage in archiving, retrieval, transmission, and can be enhanced during plotting of lateral cephalograms. Hence, the digital method of landmark plotting could be preferred for both daily use and research because of the advantages.

Dentofacial Orthopedics directed to a hypoplastic maxilla in the prepubertal period redirects growth of the maxilla in the vertical, transverse and sagittal planes of space. The orthopedic correction of maxillary hypoplasia in the early mixed dentition period thus intercepts the establishment of permanent structural asymmetry in the mandible and helps in the achievement of optimal dentofacial esthetics. This paper presents the growth redirection in a hypoplastic maxilla of an 8-year-old girl with simultaneous rapid maxillary expansion and protraction headgear therapy for a period of 11 months which corrected the posterior unilateral cross-bite, the positional asymmetry of the mandible and established an orthognathic profile in the individual.

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