Aim: The current study's objective was to find out the prevalence of malocclusion and the need for orthodontic treatment in 13- to 15-year-old school students in the Mehsana District of Gujarat using the IOTN.
Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological survey was planned among 13- to 15-year-old school-going children of Mehsana district. The sample comprised of 1290 school children. DHC-IOTN was applied to evaluate normative need for orthodontic treatment. Perceived orthodontic treatment was described by the Aesthetic component of the IOTN index.
Results: Results showed that 33.7 percent of participants required little/no treatment need, 43.9 percent of participants required moderate orthodontic treatment need, and 22.4 percent of participants required severe orthodontic treatment need in the district.
Conclusion: To prepare for public orthodontic and dental services, the current study provides baseline data on the need for orthodontic treatment among school-aged children.
Keywords: Epidemiological study; malocclusion; orthodontic treatment need.
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