Awareness about the orthodontic specialty: A survey study

Area of Science:

• Dental Specialties
• Patient Education
• Oral Health Literacy

Background:

• Understanding the distinct roles of dental professionals is crucial for patient care.
• The public's perception of specialists versus general practitioners in dentistry requires investigation.
• Differentiating between a dentist and an orthodontist is a common point of confusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient comprehension of the differences between orthodontists and general dentists.
• To identify demographic factors influencing patient understanding of dental specializations.
• To evaluate patient preferences for receiving orthodontic treatment.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with 400 patients at Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Dentistry.
• Participants were queried on their understanding of orthodontist vs. dentist roles.
• Demographic data and history of orthodontic treatment were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Over 85% of respondents believed general dentists should be orthodontic specialists.
• Only 7% of patients preferred receiving orthodontic treatment from a general dentist.
• Patients with higher education, income, and prior orthodontic treatment showed better awareness.

Conclusions:

• A significant gap exists in public understanding of the distinct roles of orthodontists and dentists.
• Patient awareness of orthodontic specialization is linked to educational background and treatment history.
• Targeted educational initiatives are necessary to clarify the differences between these dental professions.