Factors influencing the uptake of orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that may influence orthodontic treatment uptake such as socioeconomic class (SEC), type of funding, and gender.

METHODS

The sample comprised 550 adolescents (232 men, 318 women) aged 13-17 years. Demographic data and questions concerning treatment experience, satisfaction with dental appearance, self-perceived need, dental attendance pattern, and presence of a health insurance were collected by means of a questionnaire. SEC was established by using an index developed for Jordanians. Normative treatment need was assessed by using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis were used for the statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Treatment uptake was significantly less in the low SEC group (5.2 percent) than the other SEC groups. Women were more frequently treated than men as were those subjects who possessed a health insurance and who regularly attended a dentist. The odds of not receiving orthodontic treatment were significantly higher in the lowest SEC group (odds ratio = 26, P < 0.001). Gender, health insurance, and dental attendance pattern were significant variables in predicting treatment uptake but to a lesser extent than SEC.

CONCLUSIONS

Low SEC had a strong predictive effect on treatment uptake; socioeconomically deprived individuals were less likely to undergo orthodontic treatment.