IADR Abstract Archives
Assessment of Early Orthodontic Treatment Need Indicators on Transylvanian Children
Objectives: Epidemiological studies represent a powerful tool for the early diagnosis of malocclusion and commencement of an orthodontic treatment. Our study aimed to assess the orthodontic treatment need in a pediatric sample from the Transylvanian area in order to emphasize the importance of oral health related preventive strategies.
Methods: The study was conducted on 188 children between 5 and 6 years of age from nine schools and two kindergartens in the Transylvanian region of Romania. The study consisted of a brief clinical examination of children using, the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need-Dental Health Component (IOTN-DHC) , and a questionnaire referring to the child’s parental education, frequency, and motivation of visits to the dentist, dental care habits.
Results: Among the most frequent malocclusions was the overbite (30,31%), followed by deep bite (19,14%) and crossbite(14,89%) . The total prevalence of orthodontic treatment need was 37,23% while 63 % of the sample presented more than one altered occlusal parameter. No statistical differences were found between female and male patients but differences between urban and rural inhabitants were found and were somewhat explained also by the answers on the questioners.
Conclusions: National oral heath preventive strategies should include effective orthodontic prevention programs including pediatricians and school personnel training in this respect.
Methods: The study was conducted on 188 children between 5 and 6 years of age from nine schools and two kindergartens in the Transylvanian region of Romania. The study consisted of a brief clinical examination of children using, the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need-Dental Health Component (IOTN-DHC) , and a questionnaire referring to the child’s parental education, frequency, and motivation of visits to the dentist, dental care habits.
Results: Among the most frequent malocclusions was the overbite (30,31%), followed by deep bite (19,14%) and crossbite(14,89%) . The total prevalence of orthodontic treatment need was 37,23% while 63 % of the sample presented more than one altered occlusal parameter. No statistical differences were found between female and male patients but differences between urban and rural inhabitants were found and were somewhat explained also by the answers on the questioners.
Conclusions: National oral heath preventive strategies should include effective orthodontic prevention programs including pediatricians and school personnel training in this respect.