<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<italic>Background</italic>: When limited resources are available for orthodontic treatment, it is important that those with the greatest need receive treatment.
<italic>Aims</italic>: The aims of this study were to determine the orthodontic treatment needs of Nigerian children and young adults attending a University Hospital as outpatients, and to determine if a relationship exists between social class and orthodontic treatment need.
<italic>Methods</italic>: Of 148 consecutive patients attending a hospital department for orthodontic treatment, 136 were children and young adults (67 males, 69 females) between 6 and 18 years of age. These subjects were assessed with the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), and classified into two social classes with the Standard Occupational Classification.
<italic>Results</italic>: Almost 30 per cent of the children and young adults presenting for treatment had “no/little” need of orthodontic treatment, 20 per cent had DAI scores between 26 and 30 indicating that treatment was “elective”, 15 per cent had a “desirable” need for treatment, and 35 per cent had a “mandatory” need for treatment. There was a significant association (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.05) between treatment need and social class: more subjects from the lower social classes (semi-skilled and unskilled occupations) needed orthodontic treatment than subjects from the higher social classes (professional, managerial, and skilled occupations). Conclusion: The study has shown that not all outpatients presenting/referred for orthodontic treatment “need” treatment. Patients from the semi-skilled and unskilled occupations were more likely to need orthodontic treatment than patients from the professional, managerial and skilled occupations.
</abstract>

Background: When limited resources are available for orthodontic treatment, it is important that those with the greatest need receive treatment.
Aims: The aims of this study were to determine the orthodontic treatment needs of Nigerian children and young adults attending a University Hospital as outpatients, and to determine if a relationship exists between social class and orthodontic treatment need.
Methods: Of 148 consecutive patients attending a hospital department for orthodontic treatment, 136 were children and young adults (67 males, 69 females) between 6 and 18 years of age. These subjects were assessed with the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), and classified into two social classes with the Standard Occupational Classification.
Results: Almost 30 per cent of the children and young adults presenting for treatment had “no/little” need of orthodontic treatment, 20 per cent had DAI scores between 26 and 30 indicating that treatment was “elective”, 15 per cent had a “desirable” need for treatment, and 35 per cent had a “mandatory” need for treatment. There was a significant association (p < 0.05) between treatment need and social class: more subjects from the lower social classes (semi-skilled and unskilled occupations) needed orthodontic treatment than subjects from the higher social classes (professional, managerial, and skilled occupations). Conclusion: The study has shown that not all outpatients presenting/referred for orthodontic treatment “need” treatment. Patients from the semi-skilled and unskilled occupations were more likely to need orthodontic treatment than patients from the professional, managerial and skilled occupations.

Orthodontic treatment need of Nigerian outpatients assessed with the Dental Aesthetic Index

Australasian Orthodontic Journal

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Background: When limited resources are available for orthodontic treatment, it is important that those with the greatest need receive treatment.
Aims: The aims...

Orthodontic treatment need of Nigerian outpatients assessed with the Dental Aesthetic Index

Published Online: Dec 15, 2023

Page range: 19 - 23

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/aoj-2004-0003

© 2004 Chukwudi O. Onyeaso, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.