Perceived, desired, and normatively determined orthodontic treatment needs in male US Army recruits

This study assessed perceived, desired, and normative need for orthodontic care in a systematic random sample of 576 male enlisted Army recruits at one Army post in fall 1990. Perceived and desired need were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Normative need was assessed on all participants by one dentist using the Treatment Priority Index. Results show 16.3% of enlisted male Army recruits have severe or handicapping malocclusions, yet only one-third desire corrective treatment. Preference for orthodontic care is strongly influenced by the recruit's education level. We recommend that military health policymakers consider expanding access to adult orthodontic care for active duty military personnel to keep pace with its widening acceptance by the general public and to keep the military health benefits package competitive with those of civilian employers.