A Content Analysis of Orthodontic Treatment Information Contained within the Websites of General Dental Practices

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the content, quality, and readability of orthodontic information contained on the websites of general dental practices located in Australia. An online search strategy was adopted to identify practice websites for evaluation. Websites satisfying inclusion/exclusion criteria were checked for the presence of pre-determined orthodontic treatment-related items. Three validated quality of health information and readability tools were applied for website content assessment. A total of 231 websites satisfied inclusion/exclusion criteria. The mean overall [SD] DISCERN score was 29.87 (6.03)/80, [95%CI: 29.09-30.65]. The majority of the websites (88.3%) recorded poor or very poor DISCERN quality of information scores. Most websites described orthodontic clear aligner treatment (91.3%). Information regarding Invisalign((R)) was provided by 69.3% and myofunctional therapy by 22.5%. Only 7 (3%) websites indicated that orthodontic retention was indefinite. The mean [SD] Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) score was 10.10 [1.31], (95%CI: 9.95-10.25). The SMOG and Flesch Reading Ease scores were closely correlated (r = -0.9041; 95%CI: -0.93 to -0.88; p < 0.0001) and signified difficult-to-read information. The content authors should consider the use of quality information and readability tools to ensure that readers access high-quality and readable information.