Self perception of malooclusion among dental and medical students

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of malocclusion and its self-perception among medical and dental students of FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry and its correlation with understanding of treatment need. The total sample size was 385 [67% females, 23% males], aged from 18-25. Examination was conducted using a CPI probe according to DAI score and a questionnaire was filled by each participant. Chi-square and t-test were used to find relationship between malocclusion, its perception and treatment need with different independent variables. 60.3% of participants had no abnormality or minor malocclusion who needed no or minor treatment whereas, only 26.5%, 9.1% and 4.2% of subjects had definite, severe and very severe or handicapping malocclusion respectively to whom treatment was elective, highly desirable and mandatory. Out of there only 10.9% wanted to get treatment. It was concluded that there was adequate self-perception of malocclusion in the students but understanding for treatment need was very low