| Popis: |
Malocclusion has great impact on society and the individual in terms of social and functional limitations, psychological trauma and discomfort. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) is a WHOrecommended method of screening for dentofacial anomalies and orthodontic treatment need. This survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need among high school students in Mangalore city, Karnataka State, India. List of schools in Mangalore city was obtained from the Block Educational Officer. After obtaining consent from the relevant authorities, four schools were selected by random sampling (lottery method). In these schools, all students who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were examined with the help of a recorder. A proforma was used to record demographic data (name of the student and school, age, gender), and the criteria of the DAI for each subject. Data were analyzed using the Chi squared test and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Study subjects numbered 422 and ranged in age from 11-18 years. According to the DAI criteria, 66.1% subjects had no abnormality or minor malocclusion (requiring little or no orthodontic treatment), 22.3% had definite malocclusion (in whom orthodontic treatment was an elective option), 9.9% presented with severe malocclusion (with orthodontic treatment being highly desirable) and 1.7% had very severe or handicapping malocclusion (requiring mandatory orthodontic treatment). Malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need were found to be present in 33.9% of the population surveyed. These data will help in planning and executing appropriate measures to overcome this oral condition. |
