Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the superimposition accuracy of digital modes for measuring tooth movement in patients requiring anterior retraction after premolar extraction based on the proposed reference regions. Methods: Forty patients treated with bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction were divided into two groups: moderate retraction (< 7.0 mm) and maximum retraction (≥ 7.0 mm). Central incisor displacement was measured using cephalometric superimpositions and three-dimensional (3D) digital superimpositions with the 3rd or 4th ruga as the reference point. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and linear regression analyses were performed to test the significance of the differences and relationships between the two measurement techniques. Results: In the moderate retraction group, the central incisor anteroposterior displacement values did not differ significantly between 3D digital and cephalometric superimpositions. However, in the maximum-retraction group, significant differences were observed between the anteroposterior displacement evaluated by the 3rd ruga superimposition and cephalometric methods (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study demonstrated that 3D digital superimpositions were clinically as reliable as cephalometric superimpositions in assessing tooth movements in patients requiring moderate retraction. However, the reference point should be carefully examined in patients who require maximum retraction.

INTRODUCTIONA significant proportion of older persons who require support or care services have mental health concerns. There is a need to equip frontline eldercare workers with the necessary skills in caring for older persons with mental illnesses. The Community Psychogeriatric Programme aims to support community eldercare providers with training and consultation. We sought to measure eldercare workers' perceived levels of stress and knowledge about caring for older persons with mental illness before (pre-workshop), immediately after (post-workshop) and three months after (three-month follow-up) they underwent standardised training workshops on dementia and depression.

METHODSParticipants who attended two four-hour workshops on dementia and depression were recruited for the study. Their knowledge of topics was evaluated pre-workshop, post-workshop and at three-month follow-up. Perceptions of working with older persons with mental health problems were rated pre-workshop and at three-month follow-up.

RESULTSA total of 71 staff members from various eldercare centres participated in the study, of which 51 (71.8%) were women. At three-month follow-up, there was a significant change in most measures on Ryden's Perception Scale (p < 0.05). There were significant improvements in knowledge scores for dementia and depression (p < 0.001). Knowledge gains after the workshop were maintained at three-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONTraining of eldercare workers in mental healthcare is helpful for knowledge improvement and altering perceptions of caring for older persons. With continued support from mental health professionals, such training could contribute to better care for this vulnerable population.