Parental Knowledge and Attitude Towards Early Orthodontic Treatment for Their Primary School Children

Abstract

Background: Malocclusion, one the most important oral health problem among children and young adults, leads to social stigma and psychological disorders. Early orthodontic treatment for children appears to be one of the efficient methods to prevent these consequences. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, which was conducted in Shiraz, city of Iran, comprised 1600 primary school children aged 7 and 8 years old from 16 schools in the 4 districts of Shiraz. Self-administered questionnaires, giving scores to parental knowledge and attitude towards early orthodontic treatment, were designed and distributed to the children to deliver them to their parents. The maximum possible mean score for both knowledge and attitude questions were. Results: Out of 1600, 1026 (64%) questionnaires were returned. The analysis revealed the mean score of parental knowledge and attitude as 0.78 and 0.38 respectively. The mean score of participants from high social class was significantly higher in the knowledge and attitude sections (P value < 0.001). Highly educated parents presented an appreciably greater level of attitude score (mean score: 0.43, P value < 0.001). A remarkable correlation of parental former orthodontic treatment with a routine and problem-based visit of a dentist was observed [odds ratio (OR): 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1 to 4.4] and (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.2 to 4.4) in order. Conclusions: This study showed significant effect of higher social class on the parents' knowledge and attitude and also beneficial impact of higher educational level on parents' attitude. The parents, who were former orthodontic patient, were more concerned about their children's dentofacial health.

Parents’ Awareness of Early Orthodontic Consultation: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In the present study, most parents believed that their children's teeth would have a significant impact on their lives. This was in accordance with the findings of Hassan et al, [13] Alnaafa et al [6] and Dann et al [20], who reported that dentofacial appearance plays an important role in determining an individual's attractiveness. In the present study, more than half of the parents 1637 (64.5%) reported that their children had a problem with their teeth; this was similar to the findings of previous studies [13,16,21].…”

Parents’ Awareness of Malocclusion and Orthodontic Consultation for Their Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The odds of having high awareness levels were almost 4 times higher among parents who have had orthodontic treatment or were currently undergoing orthodontic treatment compared to those with no previous orthodontic treatment experience. In accordance with our findings, Pratelli et al as well as Moshkelgosha et al, indicated that parents with previous orthodontic treatment experience were more likely to be solicitous of their children’s dentofacial appearance and orthodontic treatment needs [ 25 , 26 ]. Moreover, former orthodontic experience was associated with a positive attitude toward orthodontics [ 27 ].…”

Orthodontic awareness amongst middle school teachers and parents of twin cities

“…13 A cross-sectional study in Iran assessed parental knowledge and attitude toward early orthodontic treatment for their primary school children, and showed that highly educated parents had a considerably better attitude and higher level of knowledge. 14 Similarly, education level may lead to differences in the experience, and knowledge of the teachers. 11 The current results negated the correlation between education and the extent of awareness because there was no significant difference between teachers and parents regarding their level of education and professional experience.…”