Malocclusion and Orthodontic Treatment Needs of Public and Private Secondary School Students in North-Eastern Nigeria using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI)

Abstract

Background: To determine the status of malocclusion and the orthodontic treatment needs among 12-18 year-old
adolescents in Maiduguri, Northern Nigeria.
Method: The examined population comprised of 339 subjects from two socio-economically different communities
in the city using Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Data was collected using specially designed recording chart. The
chart included the age as at last birthday, the school, gender and all 10 parameters of the DAI. Intra and inter
examiners' errors were very negligible. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences between
variables
Results: Overjet of 3mm or more was the most prevalent malocclusion trait. Most of the children (67%) had dental
appearance where no orthodontic treatment was indicated. Over 18% of the subjects fell into malocclusion group
where treatment is considered 'elective'. The rest of the sample had severe to handicapping malocclusion where
treatment is considered 'highly desirable' (8.3%) and 'mandatory' (6.2%). There were no statistically significant
differences (P>0.05) between DAI scores and age groups, gender and socioeconomic background of the students
Conclusion: The study showed that over two-thirds of the population had dental appearance that did not require
orthodontic treatment. A significant proportion (14.5%) had severe to handicapping malocclusion where
treatment is considered mandatory. Background of the subjects may not necessary have any bearing with
developing malocclusion