Genel Diş Hekimlerinin Ortodontik Tanı, Tedavi ve Yönlendirme Yaklaşımları: Kesitsel Araştırma

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the perceptions and behaviours of general dental practitioners towards orthodontic diagnosis and treatment, and to determine when dentists refer patients to orthodontists. Material and Methods: The data in this research consists of 22 survey questions created using the Google Forms program. The questionnaire was sent to the members registered in the Turkish Dental Association via e-mail. 326 general dental practitioners participated in the study on a voluntary basis. The questionnaire consists of questions including demographic information of the participants, criteria for performing orthodontic examination, diagnostic recording, rates and distribution of orthodontic treatment, referral of patients to an orthodontist, and expectations after orthodontic treatment. Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007 (Kaysville, Utah, USA) program was used for statistical analysis. Significance was evaluated at p<0.01 and p<0.05 levels. Results: Of the 326 dentists (176 men, 150 women), it was found that 21.8% did not perform orthodontic examination at the first examination, 75.7% did not receive registration for orthodontic diagnosis and 51% worked with an orthodontist, 32.7% performed orthodontic treatment and applied clear aligner treatment at most (77.3%), 95.06% referred patients to an orthodontist for orthodontic treatment. Referral is most often performed in patients with skeletal anomalies and anterior open bite or crossbite. Fixed orthodontic treatment, removable appliances and clear aligner procedures are most frequently applied to the referred patients. Conclusion: Half of the dentists examined in our study worked with orthodontists, but most of them did not use orthodontic diagnosis methods, but it was common to refer patients to an orthodontist; it was concluded that some dentists applied orthodontic treatment and preferred clear aligner treatment the most.