Orthodontic diagnosis and usability of the web-based e-learning application orthotrainer

In orthodontic education, the integration of digital teaching methods is crucial to meet the complex demands of the discipline. This study evaluates the performance of the web-based e-learning application Orthotrainer, designed for orthodontic case planning. It is hypothesised that case evaluations through this digital approach are comparable to traditional analogue measurement methods. The aim is to contribute to the standardisation of orthodontic learning content in North Rhine-Westphalia and promote innovative teaching strategies. A total of 61 dental students were randomly assigned to either an analogue (group A) or a digital (group D) cohort. The students were tasked with performing orthodontic case planning, which included model analysis and X-ray analysis, specifically OPG and LCR analysis. As part of a crossover design, both groups completed both a digital and an analogue treatment case. The quality and usability of the digital application were evaluated, and the results of the learning modes were quantitatively compared. In the model analyses the tooth-width measurements were almost identical between analogue and digital methods, with only minimal differences observed. Analogue techniques demonstrated slightly higher accuracy in arch-width determinations, while the digital approach exhibited superiority over analogue measurements in classifying canine Angle relationships. Conversely, analogue gauge measurements maintained their superiority in molar classification In the radiographic assessment, the Orthotrainer demonstrated its superiority, with its lateral cephalometric radiograph landmarking (LCR) success rate exhibiting a significant increase in comparison to conventional methods (LCR: 55.74% vs. 46.80%). Both groups completed the case planning in the allotted time, with no significant differences. Finally, students provided a favourable evaluation of the Orthotrainer, with a mean System Usability Scale score of 77.62 (SD 23.16, 95% confidence interval [CI], 71.70–83.56). The Orthotrainer provides diagnostic performance that is equivalent to that of traditional analogue case assessment, particularly regarding cephalometric analysis. It was also positively received by students in terms of diagnostic performance and user-friendliness, which indicates its potential as a reliable supplement to conventional teaching methods.