Orthodontic Treatment Needs of Adolescents in North-Western Nigeria Using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontic treatment planning within a public health system needs information on the need for orthodontic treatment within the population. It is imperative to have epidemiological data from which the need for orthodontic care in any region can be estimated. The present study, therefore, aimed to determine the orthodontic treatment need of adolescents in North-Western Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted of 200, 12–15-year-old schoolchildren in Northern Nigeria using the Dental Health Component (DHC) and Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). A structured interview and clinical examination were used to assess the subjects. Descriptive statistics and χ(2) tests were used for data analysis with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: There were 19.5% with definite need (DHC 4 or 5) for orthodontic treatment and 15.5% borderline need (DHC 3). The AC scores demonstrated that 1% of the studied subjects had a definite need (AC 8–10) for orthodontic treatment and 24% borderline need (AC 5–7). A statistically significant relationship between AC and DHC of IOTN among the study population (P < 0.05) was observed. CONCLUSION: Using the DHC of the IOTN, the proportion of subjects estimated to have great and very great treatment needs (grades 4 and 5) was 19.5%. However, only 1% of individuals were in need (grades 8–10) of orthodontic treatment according to the AC. Awareness about orthodontic treatment should be a part of public health planning for this region.