The orthodontic treatment needs in children aged 12-15 years in a school in Khomas region, Namibia

Abstract

In modern day dentistry, aesthetics forms an integral part of our social perception almost as much as functionality. Malocclusion has been brought to the forefront of developmental anomalies as it can affect mastication, speech as well as the appearance of the face. Furthermore, pre-pubertal and pubertal changes have compounded existing malocclusions in this growth period thus spiraling the need for orthodontic treatment. Therefore, it is essential to determine the normative and selfperceived need for orthodontic treatment in a population. The epidemiological data collected can be used to facilitate policy changes to manage malocclusion in Khomas, Namibia.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the orthodontic treatment needs of a population of 12-15 year-old children attending a school in Khomas and to express it as percentages of those with subjective and objective orthodontic treatment need over the whole sample population. The objectives were to find associations between treatment needs and some demographic and socioeconomic factors.