ABO Cast Grading

With the increasing popularity of digital models in
orthodontics today, the American Board of
Orthodontics (ABO) is considering allowing digital
models to replace plaster models during the Phase
III evaluation process. Digital models offer the
convenience of minimal storage requirements, easier
transport, and less potential for damage. Cases
could be submitted electronically and graded in
advance, which would significantly lighten the
workload on ABO examiners during the exam.
In order for digital models to become an acceptable
alternative, they must accurately represent the
patients dentition and they must be able to be
graded using the ABO Objective Grading System.
Many
studies have demonstrated excellent accuracy with
these models, but until recently, there has been no
way to grade them. Currently there are two digital
imaging companies that have developed software with
ABO grading capability (Geodigm Corporation and
Cadent Technologies).
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
accuracy and variability of grades obtained by the
use of computer software on digitized 3-dimensional
casts using the American Board of Orthodontics
Objective Grading System.