Expert opinion survey on diagnostic and treatment-planning gaps in orthodontics among dental interns: Validation of the need for a MOOC-based educational intervention

Accurate orthodontic diagnosis and systematic treatment planning are essential competencies for dental interns, yet inconsistencies in diagnostic skills are frequently reported. Therefore, it is of interest to expert opinion survey assessed perceived diagnostic and treatment-planning gaps among orthodontic interns and evaluated the need for a structured MOOC-based educational intervention. A validated questionnaire was administered to consultant orthodontists and responses were analyzed descriptively with thematic interpretation of qualitative inputs. Experts reported significant deficiencies in diagnostic formulation, problem listing and treatment sequencing among interns, with strong consensus on the need for structured digital training. Thus, we show the development of a focused MOOC to standardize orthodontic diagnostic education and improve clinical reasoning among interns.