Likert scale versus the visual analogue scale in evaluating dentofacial aesthetics: a systematic review

• Main Authors: Marzuki, Hanis Nabilah, Zahirah, Izzah, Lau, May Nak, Kuppusamy, Elavarasi, Mustapha, Nik Mukhriz Nik, Ashari, Asma
• Format: Article
• Published: Sciendo 2024
• Subjects: RK Dentistry
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/45880/; https://doi.org/10.2478/aoj-2024-0010
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

Background Numerous studies rating dentofacial aesthetics have been conducted by using the Likert Scale or the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The Likert Scale is an assessment tool consisting of items that require respondents to rank a query using graded declarative statements. Alternatively, the VAS is a tool that requires the respondents to place a mark along a horizontal line to rate a particular item.Objective This systematic review aimed to identify the validity and reliability of the Likert scale and VAS in evaluating dentofacial aesthetics. A second objective was to identify which scale is preferable for use by clinicians and patients in determining dental aesthetics.Search methods With no language limitations, a comprehensive electronic database search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, and OpenGrey databases using keywords and Mesh terms combinations: (''Likert scale'' OR ``Likert'') AND (''visual analogue scale'' OR ``VAS'') AND (''aesthetic*'' OR ``facial*'' OR ``dental*'' OR ``dentist*''). The selection criteria were set based on the PICO format. Population (P): Laypeople and/ or dental clinicians; Intervention (I) and Control (C): Likert Scale and Visual Analog Scale for measuring dentofacial aesthetics; Outcome (O): Validity, reliability, and the patient's or clinician's preference for using the Likert Scale or the Visual Analog Scale for measuring dentofacial aesthetics. The risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE checklist for observational studies and Version 2 of the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials (RoB 2) for randomized controlled trials. The results were summarised qualitatively; no meta-analysis was conducted due to the high level of heterogeneity of the included studies.Results of the synthesis Both the Likert Scale and VAS are valid and reliable for scoring dentofacial aesthetics but each have their own advantages in aesthetic evaluation. There were different preferences for the two scoring methods.Conclusions Overall, there is insufficient data to draw a conclusion that the VAS or the Likert scale is superior. Either of these scales may be used to rate dentofacial aesthetics.