The orthodontic treatment needs in children aged 12-15 years in a school in Khomas region, Namibia
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Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
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.
Description
Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent)
Keywords
Orthodontics, Namibia, Children, Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), Treatment need