Orthodontic treatment: need and demand in north karnataka school children.

OBJECTIVES To assess the normative need, demand and knowledge of/for/on orthodontic treatment in Karnataka school children who were aged 12-16 years. METHOD A simple random selection of a sample of 1000 students who were aged 12-16 years was made. Informed consents were obtained from each subject. The dental health component (DHC) and aesthetic component (AC) of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) and the index of complexity, outcome and need (ICON) were assessed by using the index. The knowledge and demand on/for orthodontic treatment were assessed by using a questionnaire. RESULTS The survey population showed 49.3%, 44.4%, and 7.1% of samples needed definite orthodontic treatment need on basis of DHC, ICON, AC respectively. In terms of treatment need, boys were more likely to seek orthodontic treatment need than girls. There was fair agreement between operator and students. A high percentage of students clearly expressed a 'definite need' of orthodontic treatment. Only 40% of children had some knowledge on orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSION The present study showed that the awareness, need and demand for orthodontic treatment were less among school children. So, we need to enlighten the students regarding aesthetics among children.