Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the need for orthodontic treatment of 14-year-old Yemeni adolescents in general and by variables zones, gender, urban and rural. Methods: A sample of 2400 students with equal proportion of males and females were selected from nine governorates (urban and rural) covering the whole topographical of Yemen which was divided into five zones (north, south, middle, east and west). Orthodontic treatment need was measured using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN). Clinical examination to assess dental health components (DHC) of IOTN was carried out under natural lighting, using disposable mouth mirrors and DHC rulers. Aesthetic components (AC) were evaluated both by students (ACS) and examiner (ACE). Results: DHC assessment showed 26.8% of population indicated great & very great need for treatment, 17.5% were in borderline category, 23.9% had a slight need and the percentage for no o treatment was 31.8%. In evaluating ACS, 86.6% were in no need or little need, 8.6% in moderate need and 4.7% in great need of treatment. Findings of ACE showed 71.0% do not need or had little need, 18.8% moderate need and 10.1% indicated great need for treatment. DHC and AC assessment showed boys showed more need for treatment than girls. Statistical significant differences were found between all zones in DHC and AC measurements at (P≤0.005). Conclusion: This study showed 44.3%, 13.3% and 28.9% of Yemeni sample were in great and borderline need of orthodontic treatment according to DHC, ACS and ACE, respectively.
This study was supported by University of Malaya, Grant No: P0222/2007A