Comparison of the Accuracy of Non-Clinical and Clinical Examinations Using Mobile Phone Photography in Determining DMFT and Occlusion
Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1 School of Dentistry, Isf.c, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2 Department of Oral & maxillofacial diseases , Faculty of dentistry, Isf.c, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
3 Department of Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Isf.c, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
4 Department of Operative Dentistry, Isf.c, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Materials and Methods: In this experimental in vitro study, 39 individuals with dental caries or restorations, as determined by the DMFT index, were selected. Intraoral photographs of each participant were first taken using a smartphone and evaluated by a dentist. Subsequently, the same individuals underwent direct clinical examination. In both methods, the DMFT index and occlusion status—including dental class, crowding, bite type, and crossbite—were assessed. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test and McNemar’s test.
Results: The mean DMFT index was significantly higher in the clinical examination compared to the non-clinical evaluation (P = 0.003). The greatest differences were related to decayed teeth, followed by filled teeth, while missing teeth showed minimal differences. In the assessment of occlusion status, no significant difference was observed between the two methods (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Non-clinical examination using smartphone photography appears to be a reliable method for evaluating certain oral health parameters, such as occlusal status and missing teeth. However, its accuracy is lower in detecting caries and restorations, particularly in early or secondary cases. Therefore, teledentistry is recommended as a complementary tool for preliminary screening, while in-person clinical examination remains essential for definitive diagnoses
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