An epidemiological study on early orthodontic treatment need among eastern Saudi Arabian children in the mixed dentition stage.

Estimation of early orthodontic treatment need among children is essential for planning orthodontic interventions in the mixed dentition stages thereby reducing the burden in a publicly funded healthcare system. The present study aimed to assess the early orthodontic treatment need among children with mixed dentition in the Eastern Saudi Arabia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi children visiting the outpatient clinics in a University dental setting, and data were collected based on Index for preventive and interceptive orthodontic need (IPION). Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for data analysis with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The category of 'no treatment need' accounted for 11.3% while 'moderate treatment need' and 'definite treatment need' categories accounted for 29.3% and 59.4% respectively. There was no statistical difference between males and females in the distribution of the three categories of treatment need (p = 0.513). This study demonstrated a very high need for early orthodontic treatment among Saudi children in the mixed dentition stage. Emphasis should be placed on increased awareness and benefits of seeking early orthodontic treatment involving preventive and interceptive procedures in the mixed dentition.