Disparity in Orthodontic Utilization and Treatment Need Among High School Students

Abstract

Minority groups and infrequent dental attenders may experience disparities in unmet orthodontic treatment need.

Prevalence of Malocclusion among 12 to 15 Years Age Group Orphan Children using Dental Aesthetic Index

“…Similarly, present study showed higher results of half and full cusp deviation compared to Onyeaso CO (2004). 16 While comparing according to DAI scores, the results of the current study are in correlation with Nelson S et al (2004). 17 A higher mean DAI score was noticed among males than females.…”

“…16 While comparing according to DAI scores, the results of the current study are in correlation with Nelson S et al (2004). 17 A higher mean DAI score was noticed among males than females. The higher prevalence of malocclusion among males may be attributed to the differences in the adverse habits such as mouth breathing, nail biting, tongue thrusting and thumb sucking, etc.…”

Inequality in uptake of orthodontic services

“…2 Patients may not be considered suitable for orthodontic care by either the general practitioner or the specialist provider if they are irregular attenders or if their oral health and hygiene is poor. 6,9 Furthermore, research indicates that children from lower socio-economic groups are more likely to have discontinued orthodontic treatment than children from less deprived communities. 12 Social and cultural factors may impact upon the willingness of children to undertake a course of orthodontic treatment.…”

“…Whist sociodemographic characteristics do not appear to infl uence a child's perception of need for orthodontic treatment or aesthetic appearance, research indicates that boys and children from minority ethnic groups are less likely to receive care. [3][4][5][6] The infl uence of social deprivation on the uptake of services is less clear. Some studies have linked social deprivation and access to treatment with children from lower socio-economic groups being less likely to receive care, 3,[6][7][8] whereas other research has found no relationship between relative deprivation and the uptake of orthodontic services.…”

“…[3][4][5][6] The infl uence of social deprivation on the uptake of services is less clear. Some studies have linked social deprivation and access to treatment with children from lower socio-economic groups being less likely to receive care, 3,[6][7][8] whereas other research has found no relationship between relative deprivation and the uptake of orthodontic services. 4,9 Other factors, which may be important, include dental registration rates and access to services.…”