Needs, demands and appropriateness of referral to orthodontic treatment in the North West Armed Forces Hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at assessing normative needs for orthodontic treatment, other dental problems, socioeconomic condition and attitude toward dentistry among a sample of patients who were referred for orthodontic treatment in the Northwest Armed Forces Hospital [NWAFH] in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. A convenient sample of 320 patients who were referred for orthodontic treatment was selected to participate in the study. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire on perception of their oral health status, demands for orthodontic treatment, other oral treatment needs, attitude toward dentistry and socioeconomic factors. Patients were examined by a consultant orthodontist to assess their normative orthodontic needs using the Index for Orthodontic Treatment Needs [IOTN]. Other dental needs were also assessed. Percentage of females referred for orthodontic treatment was slightly higher than males [60 percent]. Socioeconomic factors did not seem to influence demands for the service. Only 34 percent of the sample had IOTN score of 3 or more [moderate to very great needs], 52 percent had caries in at least one tooth, 48 percent bleeding on probing, 22.3 percent had calculus, and 5.6 percent had pocket 4 mm or more. The results of the study indicated that while demands for orthodontic treatment seemed to be exaggerated, needs for other dental treatments were underestimated. The results implied that expensive and specialized dental services were highly promoted in a community that lacks appropriate access to primary dental care. The results necessitate the development and implementation of proper guidelines for referral for orthodontic treatment. There is also a need to increase the emphasis on highly needed primary dental care