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  • Title: Orthodontic treatment need of Nigerian outpatients assessed with the Dental Aesthetic Index.
    Author: Onyeaso CO.
    Journal: Aust Orthod J; 2004 May; 20(1):19-23. PubMed ID: 15233583.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: When limited resources are available for orthodontic treatment, it is important that those with the greatest need receive treatment. AIMS: The aims of this study were to determine the orthodontic treatment needs of Nigerian children and young adults attending a University Hospital as outpatients, and to determine if a relationship exists between social class and orthodontic treatment need. METHODS: Of 148 consecutive patients attending a hospital department for orthodontic treatment, 136 were children and young adults (67 males, 69 females) between 6 and 18 years of age. These subjects were assessed with the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), and classified into two social classes with the Standard Occupational Classification. RESULTS: Almost 30 per cent of the children and young adults presenting for treatment had "no/little" need of orthodontic treatment, 20 per cent had DAI scores between 26 and 30 indicating that treatment was "elective", 15 per cent had a "desirable" need for treatment, and 35 per cent had a "mandatory" need for treatment. There was a significant association (p < 0.05) between treatment need and social class: more subjects from the lower social classes (semi-skilled and unskilled occupations) needed orthodontic treatment than subjects from the higher social classes (professional, managerial, and skilled occupations). CONCLUSION: The study has shown that not all outpatients presenting/referred for orthodontic treatment "need" treatment. Patients from the semi-skilled and unskilled occupations were more likely to need orthodontic treatment than patients from the professional, managerial and skilled occupations.
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