The Prevalence of Malocclusion and Orthodontic Treatment Need in 13-15 Years Old School Going Children of Mehsana District, Gujarat: An Epidemiological Study.

AIM: The current study's objective was to find out the prevalence of malocclusion and the need for orthodontic treatment in 13- to 15-year-old school students in the Mehsana District of Gujarat using the IOTN.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological survey was planned among 13- to 15-year-old school-going children of Mehsana district. The sample comprised of 1290 school children. DHC-IOTN was applied to evaluate normative need for orthodontic treatment. Perceived orthodontic treatment was described by the Aesthetic component of the IOTN index.

RESULTS

Results showed that 33.7 percent of participants required little/no treatment need, 43.9 percent of participants required moderate orthodontic treatment need, and 22.4 percent of participants required severe orthodontic treatment need in the district.

CONCLUSION

To prepare for public orthodontic and dental services, the current study provides baseline data on the need for orthodontic treatment among school-aged children.