Abstract:
Background: The planning of orthodontic treatment within a public health system requires
information on the orthodontic treatment needs of the population. It is important to have
epidemiological data to estimate the total need for orthodontic care in any region. The present
study aimed to determine the orthodontic treatment need in early adolescent children Dilla town
South Ethiopian.
Objective: To determine the orthodontic treatment need and factors associated with DHC of
IOTN of 12 year old school children among public primary school in Dilla town, South
Ethiopian.
Methods: The institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted which include 216 early
adolescent school children age of 12 randomly selected from two different public primary
schools in Dilla Town, South Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to interview and
clinical examination useded to assess the subjects. Three DMD were recruited to assess the
Dental Health Component (DHC) and, Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic
Treatment Need (IOTN) was assessed by the PI to estimate the treatment need.
Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics and logistic regression tests was used for data
analysis with statistical significance set at P<0.05 and Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI.
Result: According to the DHC of IOTN, almost half of the subjects in the sample were in
moderate to the great need for orthodontic treatment. About 8.3% of the children had a great
need for orthodontic treatment based on IOTN-AC. And factors associated with DHC of IOTN
were sex of child, perceived AC of child and maternal education.
Conclusion:This study revealed that the need for orthodontic treatment was high. Therefore,
publicly subsidized orthodontic treatment should be planned and provided to those who are in
great need for orthodontic treatment. Besides, awareness about orthodontic treatment should also
be considered
