To study the effect of digital model analysis and cephalometrics on orthodontics experimental teaching.

A total of 20 students from Stomatology Grade 2013, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University were randomly divided into two groups, one group with traditional and digital model analysis teaching, another group with traditional and digital cephalometrics teaching. The effects of traditional and digital teaching methods on students′ learning of model analysis and cephalometrics were compared, as well as their measurement accuracy. In the form of questionnaires, the students were asked to grade traditional and digital teaching methods separately, and then evaluate the advantages of digital methods.

Compared with the teacher′s reference value, the measurement difference of dental crowding and the Bolton analysis in model analysis, as well as SNA and MP-FH in cephalometrics using digital methods were (0.4 ± 0.7) mm, (0.7 ± 0.8) %, (3.1 ± 1.3) ° and (4.7 ± 0.4) °. By traditional methods, the measurement difference of these items were (1.8 ± 0.9) mm, (5.6 ± 3.0) %, (5.2 ± 0.8) ° and (7.5 ± 1.3) °, respectively. The measurement differences by digital methods were lower than that of the traditional methods, which were statistically significant (P<0.05) . The score of digital methods was significant higher than that of the traditional methods, respectively (P< 0.05) . In the students′ point of view, the advantages of digital teaching method were mainly "novel and interesting" and "increases the interaction between teachers and students".

Digital model analysis and cephalometrics is helpful to improve the effect of orthodontic experimental teaching, and to supplement the existing orthodontic experimental teaching methods.