To determine the prevalence rate of malocclusion among 12 to 14-year-old schoolchildren of urban Indian population (Bagalkot).

AIM To determine the prevalence rates of different occlusal characteristics of permanent dentition in 12 to 14 years old children in Bagalkot city and to determine the differences in occlusal characteristics in the same children by age and sex. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 1000 school going children between the age group of 12 to 14 years were selected in the study from Bagalkot city of India. All the occlusal parameters, such as molar relation, canine relation, overjet, overbite and crowding and spacing were recorded in a record sheet. The gender and sex difference was evaluated using Chi-square test. RESULTS According to the classification of Angle, the prevalence of class I, II and III malocclusions was 17.8, 30.1 and 1.6%, respectively. Ideal occlusion was 3.2% where as normal occlusion was 46.8%. An overjet of at least 4 mm or more was present in 15.2 and 7.2% had a reverse overjet. A total of 9.2 had an increased overbite and 10.6% had open bite. CONCLUSION Highly significant (p < 0.001) age differences were found for overjet, overbite and highly significant (p < 0.001) gender differences were found for crowding and spacing. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The study gives the prevalence of malocclusion amongst 12 to 14 years old in urban Indian population. The data can be used for may research projects and gives us a better understanding of malocclusion in urban Indian population.