Initial Evidence of Validity and Reliability of Rubrics for the Evaluation of Preclinical Practices in Orthodontics in Dentistry Students

The objective evaluation of preclinical practices in Dentistry is a challenge of great rel-evance. In recent years, tools have been developed aimed at improving the objectivity, standardization and transparency of the evaluation process. In this context, the present study analyses the initial evidence of reliability, internal structure and academic use-fulness of evaluation rubrics applied to preclinical practices of Orthodontics at the Eu-ropean University of Madrid. Material and method: The research followed a quantitative, observational and correla-tional design, of a cross-sectional nature and with an instrumental component, with a sample of 175 third-year students of the Bachelor's Degree in Dentistry. The reliability and internal structure of the rubrics were analysed using Cronbach's alpha and explor-atory factor analysis, as well as their relationship with academic performance variables using Pearson correlations and partial correlations. Results: The results showed moderate to adequate levels of internal consistency (α = 0.61 and 0.71) and results compatible with a one-dimensional structure in both instruments. Likewise, certain academic variables, such as performance in the cephalometry seminar and in the theoretical evaluation, showed significant associations with practical perfor-mance. Conclusion: The results support the use of rubrics not only as grading tools, but also as potentially useful training instruments to structure preclinical assessment in specific contexts.