Prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need in schoolchildren - An epidemiological study

To ascertain the prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need in schoolchildren dependent on armed forces personnel. To review the overall oral health using DMFT index and to evaluate any relation between increased DMFT index to existing orthodontic problems.

Five schools were randomly selected among Army/KV/AF schools and a random sample of 1200 children aged 10-15 years old attending these schools dependant on armed forces personnel were selected. A survey form was filled up after the examination of children by the principal worker and need for orthodontic treatment was assessed using index for orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) and overall oral health status by DMFT index and totaled. Frontal intra oral photograph in centric occlusion were taken. Dental Health Component (DHC) of IOTN for all the patients was marked by one set of orthodontists. The most severe occlusal trait was identified by the examiner for any particular patient and the patient was then categorized according to this most severe trait. AC of the IOTN was assessed by second orthodontist, individual and a layperson.

It was observed that prevalence of malocclusion in the sample was 53.7%. 32.8% (239 males & 154 females) of samples are in need of orthodontic treatment. 55.1% of samples shown no caries risk, 38.1% had moderate caries risk and 6.8% had high caries risk.

Significant percentage of the samples are in need for orthodontic treatment. There is significant relation between higher DMFT index and orthodontic treatment need. It was found that IOTN is a reliable and user-friendly index, which can be used for orthodontic surveys.