Accuracy of a Novel Designed Standard Operating Procedure for Orthodontic Diagnosis (SOPOD) Compared with Routine Methods Among Dental Interns: A Comparative Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy and time efficiency of a Standard Operating Protocol for Orthodontic Diagnosis (SOPOD) with routine diagnostic methods among dental interns. Materials and Methods: Twenty seven dental interns with ≥2 weeks of orthodontic clinical posting participated. Baseline diagnoses were established by an experienced orthodontist. Each intern first diagnosed selected malocclusion cases using routine procedures based on Proffit’s approach, followed by re diagnosis of the same cases using SOPOD. Diagnostic accuracy scores and time taken were recorded. Comparisons between methods were analyzed using paired t tests. Results: SOPOD yielded significantly higher diagnostic accuracy and improved consistency compared with routine methods. Variability among interns was reduced and diagnostic time was shorter. Differences between the two approaches were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: SOPOD enhanced diagnostic accuracy and efficiency among dental interns. Incorporating SOPOD training into undergraduate orthodontic curricula may strengthen diagnostic competence and clinical decision making.