Knowledge of Rural Population about Orthodontics: An Original Research

INTRODUCTION: Dental specialties are seldom recognized in India. Hence, in the present study, we aim to assess awareness among the rural population about the dental specialty of orthodontics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire-based cross-sectional observational study at the rural center attached to the institute. We divided the participants into two groups as adults and teenagers. A questionnaire with 15 questions to assess the knowledge of the orthodontics was given and the response was noted. Data were analyzed for the statistical significance. RESULTS: We observed no significant difference in general information and awareness about the knowledge for the orthodontics. CONCLUSION: There is still a deficit of the awareness among rural India about the dental specialty of the orthodontics irrespective of the age and gender. Awareness camps have to be arranged at the school levels.