Validation of a manual for learning cephalometry

Abstract

 This study aimed to validate a manual for learning cephalometry in a private undergraduate Dentistry course. This methodological study had quantitative and qualitative approaches and was conducted in four phases. The first three phases involved the application of a Likert scale questionnaire to measure the Content Validity Index. The fourth phase had a qualitative approach and was conducted by interviews with a semi-structured script. The research had 46 participants, including 4 former teaching assistants, 32 undergraduate students, and 10 postgraduate students in Orthodontics. Numerical data were analyzed by percentages based on the validation index, and excerpts from interview responses were analyzed using content analysis. In the first phase, conducted with former teaching assistants, all participants (N=4; 100%) indicated applicability of the manual. In the second phase, with undergraduates, 22 participants (68.7%) identified the manual as a facilitator in learning. In the third phase, with postgraduates, eight (80%) mentioned that the manual would have professional utility. The results of quantitative phases indicated the manual as a facilitator of the teaching-learning process (N=46; 78.2%), with applicability in undergraduate education (N=42; 91.3%), and usefulness for professionals (N=42; 91.3%). Three thematic categories emerged from the fourth phase, confirming the quantitative results: integration of content into the course; simplified understanding; and importance for the future. At completion of the process, the manual was validated as teaching material and will be used as a facilitating tool to achieve learning objectives and as a reference in the field.