Orthodontic treatment need in Jordanian school children

OBJECTIVE: To assess the need for orthodontic treatment among Jordanian school children. RESEARCH DESIGN: The vehicle of this study was the dental health component (DHC) of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN). The examinations were carried out using mouth mirrors and stainless steel rulers. No more than 30 school children were examined at one time to prevent examiner fatigue. SETTING: Clinical examinations were carried out on the school premises under natural lighting. PARTICIPANTS: 320 10th grade school children aged 14 to 17 years were selected at random to represent the four main areas of Amman as divided by the Ministry of Education in Jordan. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A 'definite need' for orthodontic treatment was recorded if the patient fell into grades four and five of the IOTN, while grade 3 represented 'borderline need' and grades 2 and 1 'no need' for treatment. RESULTS: A 'definite need' for treatment was recorded in 28% of children and 22% had 'border line' need on dental health grounds. Three main occlusal features were responsible for allocating children into the former category; severe displacements of more than 4 mm (45%), increased overjet of greater than 6 mm but less than or equal to 9 mm (22%) and impeded eruption of teeth (24%). CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that 28% of Amman school children were in need of orthodontic treatment for dental health reasons.