ABSTRACT
Index of orthodontic treatment need [IOTN] has several applications and advantages for determination of orthodontic treatment need. Due to the effects of different factors such as gender, age and socioeconomic status on treatment need based on self evaluation, it is important to evaluate correlation between orthodontic treatment need assessed by self- evaluation and real treatment need assessed by IOTN. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between orthodontic treatment need as assessed by IOTN and self- evaluation in 18-22 year old patients. Of 18-22 year old patients referred to Shiraz dental clinics, 240 were selected by random cluster sampling method. IOTN and self- evaluation questionnaires were filled in. In self-evaluation questionnaire, the mean scales for all the questions were determined as the scale of patient. The correlation between treatment need as assessed by IOTN and self-evaluation was evaluated by Pearson correlation and Partial correlation statistical analysis. There was a significant moderately positive correlation between Dental Health Component [DHC] and self-evaluation [r=0.51]. Also, the correlation between Aesthetic Component [AC] assessed by the examiner and patient and self evaluation was significantly positive. [r=0.39, r=0.31]. The significantly positive correlation between IOTN and self-evaluation indicates that in assessment of orthodontic treatment need, not only standard indices but also self-evaluation of the patient should be taken into account