Remote Online vs. Onsite Rating of GOSLON Yardstick Using Digital Models

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the reliability of remote online GOSLON yardstick rating compared to a traditional onsite setting using a photogallery of a 3D dental model. Design: Crossover study. Patients: The inclusion criteria are patients with a non-syndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate, with the models taken during mixed dentition, prior to any orthodontic treatment. 34 patients participated in this study. Interventions: A panel of 3 assessors rated a photogallery of digital models using the GOSLON yardstick in both onsite and remote online settings. Main Outcome Measurements: The level of agreement between the two settings, intra- and interrater reliability, was assessed using Cohen's weighted kappa statistics (κ), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ). Results: The level of agreement between remote online and onsite ratings exhibited a very good level of agreement (κ > 0.83; ICC > 0.95; ρ > 0.94). In addition, intrarater agreement for both rating methods also showed a very good level of agreement (κ > 0.81; ICC > 0.91; ρ > 0.94). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a very good level of agreement and correlation between the GOSLON scores of both viewing settings. This suggests that the difference in the setting, viewing environment, and device does not affect the GOSLON score results. Therefore, remote online rating is as reliable as onsite rating.