Orthodontic treatment need of 12-year-old school Children in dilla town, gedeo zone, southern ethiopia: a Cross sectional study

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