Objective:To assess the effectiveness of the Royal London Space Planning (RLSP) as a
learning tool among postgraduate orthodontic students as well as investigate
students’ attitudes to its use. The RLSP tool is a structured method of
orthodontic case assessment and treatment planning.Design:A prospective cohort study of first year postgraduate orthodontic students
who attended teaching of the RLSP.Setting:Postgraduate teaching institute.Participants:First year postgraduate orthodontic students.Methods:The outcome measured was the accuracy in assessment and planning of a
standardised orthodontic simulated case before and after teaching.
Qualitative assessment was conducted through focus group and a
semi-structured format after the teaching.Results:Nineteen students were included in the study. There was an overall
improvement in assessment and planning of 20% after the teaching
intervention (P< 0.05). Assessment improved by 34% in
comparison to treatment planning, which improved by 17% (P< 0.05). The impact of the RLSP was most noticeable on the assessment of
crowding in the lower arch which improved by 37% after teaching
(P< 0.05). Students felt using the RLSP tool made
them more confident and was advantageous to use in training; most felt they
would not use the tool after qualification.Conclusion:The RLSP tool is an effective method of teaching assessment and treatment
planning to postgraduate orthodontic students. The effect of the RLSP is
greater at assessments and less significant for treatment planning. The
participant students felt the RLSP improved their confidence in assessment
and treatment planning.