Peer Assessment Rating
Also written as: PAR — Peer Assessment Rating
A validated index used to measure the degree of malocclusion and quantify the improvement achieved by orthodontic treatment.
Full Definition
The Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index is a weighted scoring system applied to dental study models (or digital equivalents) to provide an objective numerical measure of the severity of a malocclusion and the change achieved by treatment. It comprises weighted components covering upper and lower anterior and posterior segments, overjet, overbite, centreline discrepancy, and buccal occlusion. A reduction in PAR score of 70% or more is regarded as 'greatly improved'. The PAR index is used in the UK as part of the British Orthodontic Society clinical audit standards and in NHS contract monitoring. Editors should render it as 'PAR index' or 'PAR score', not 'PAR Index' (index is not a proper noun).
Usage
Usage note: Expand on first use as 'Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index'. 'Index' is a common noun and is lowercased. Note that 'PAR Score' is already in the database; this entry covers the full expanded form and broader context.
In Context
- "The Peer Assessment Rating index was calculated from pre- and post-treatment study models to demonstrate treatment outcome." — Clinical audit report
- "A PAR reduction of 78% confirmed that the treatment outcome was categorised as 'greatly improved'." — NHS orthodontic contract submission