Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: PAR index: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: PAR index

Sample item

A clinic wants to judge how much occlusal improvement was achieved by comparing weighted occlusal scores taken on study casts before and after treatment. Which index is used?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Peer assessment rating index

The Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index scores occlusal traits such as crowding, buccal occlusion, overjet and overbite on casts, with weighting, before and after treatment. The fall in score shows the degree of improvement and the percentage reduction is used to grade the outcome.

Option by option

  • A. Index of orthodontic treatment need

    The need index grades how much treatment a patient requires and is not an outcome measure.

  • B. Angle's classification

    Angle's classification names molar relationships and gives no score.

  • C. Peer assessment rating index (correct)

    Correct. The PAR index measures treatment outcome from the change in weighted occlusal scores.

  • D. Little's irregularity index

    Little's index measures crowding of the lower anterior teeth only.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Peer assessment rating index. The Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index scores occlusal traits such as crowding, buccal occlusion, overjet and overbite on casts, with weighting, before and after treatment.

Why is "Index of orthodontic treatment need" not the answer?

The need index grades how much treatment a patient requires and is not an outcome measure.

Why is "Angle's classification" not the answer?

Angle's classification names molar relationships and gives no score.

Why is "Little's irregularity index" not the answer?

Little's index measures crowding of the lower anterior teeth only.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: PAR index in Dentistry. The fall in score shows the degree of improvement and the percentage reduction is used to grade the outcome.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: PAR index?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.