Determining Chewing Performance Level in Children

Inter-rater Reliability in Determining Chewing Performance Level in Children

The study will investigate to verify whether pediatric dentists could determine chewing performance level by using Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale in children.

The KCPS was developed by physical therapists who had expertise in pediatric swallowing disorders. This scale could be used as a practical tool to define chewing disorders as a common language for professionals due to its quick and easy to use features. However, its reliability in other professions has not been verified. The study will investigate to verify whether pediatric dentists could determine chewing performance level by using Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale in children.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Typical developing children
• Children with cerebral palsy (CP)
• Above the age of 2 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children who were under the age of 2 years
• Who used any medicine and/or oral appliances that may affect chewing performance
• Who had a previous evaluation of chewing function and received any chewing training