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Orthodontic treatment priority: a comparison of two indices
S J Lindauer1, A A Thresher, B W Baird
1Department of Orthodontics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry, Richmond 23298-0566, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
|June 27, 1998
Summary
Different orthodontic indices identify distinct patient groups for state-funded treatment. The Salzmann assessment and Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) showed varied results in prioritizing patients for malocclusion funding.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Orthodontics
Background:
- State-sponsored orthodontic treatment funding relies on malocclusion indices.
- Patient prioritization for treatment approval necessitates robust assessment tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient groups identified by two malocclusion indices for orthodontic treatment funding.
- To analyze the characteristics of patients approved under different prioritization methods.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of 40 patient records using the Salzmann Handicapping Malocclusion Assessment and the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).
- Comparison of study examiner scores, rankings, and funding decisions against state Medicaid data.
- Statistical analysis including correlation coefficients and Kappa statistic for agreement.
Main Results:
- High correlation between state Medicaid and study examiner Salzmann scores (r=0.74, R=0.77).
- Weaker correlation between Salzmann and IOTN rankings (R=0.40).
- Greater agreement on funding decisions using the Salzmann assessment (K=0.57) compared to Salzmann vs. IOTN (K=0.14).
Conclusions:
- The choice of malocclusion index significantly impacts patient selection for orthodontic treatment funding.
- Patient characteristics approved for treatment align with the specific criteria of the employed index.