A Framework for Characterizing the Development of Expertise in the Domain of Orthodontics.

Abstract Studies of how expertise is acquired are reported in the literature and include the domains of chess, physics, sports, music, and medicine, representing different levels of cognitive skills. To what extent are general findings from these domains applicable to the acquisition of expertise in orthodontics? Using theories and methods from cognitive studies of expertise, we present a framework for characterizing the nature of expertise from residents to orthodontists. We present pilot data to support such a framework. Development of decision support and training systems will be informed by such characterization.