Assessment of Orthodontic Treatment Need in Kosovar Children

Abstract

Background: To date, no survey was done in Kosovo for the identification of orthodontic treatment needs. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of orthodontic treatment need among Kosovar children of ages 11-13, using the DAI and the DHC-IOTN in the identification of orthodontic treatment need. Methods: A sample of 185 children (50.3% female, 49.7% male), aged between 11-13, was randomly selected from one elementary school in Prishtina. Orthodontic treatment need was measured using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and the dental health component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (DHC-IOTN). Results: Based on DAI, treatment was found as elective in 11.9 percent of the children. Treatment was found as highly desirable and mandatory in 5.9 percent and 4.3 percent of children, respectively. No gender-based significant differences were noted. According to IOTN DHC: 16.2 percent of children had borderline treatment need, while 66.5 percent had severe and extreme treatment need (grades 4 and 5). Again, no significant gender-based differences in the treatment need were found. Conclusion: High prevalence of orthodontic treatment need was identified in Kosovar children of ages 11-13, while no gender-based statistically significant differences were noted in the need for orthodontic treatment.