Abstract

BackgroundCorrection of dentofacial deformities via orthodontics is an integral part of oral health as promotes optimal function, periodontal health, aesthetics and overall oral health-related quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine whether paediatricians refer their patients to orthodontists, whether they have sufficient knowledge in basic orthodontic principles and whether they examine their patients for orthodontic abnormalities.ResultsWe conducted a survey study of paediatricians in Greece. Questionnaires were completed by 96 out of 123 paediatricians (response rate 78%). In the assessment of the examination of the oral cavity, a low frequency of examination of the position of the teeth (54%) and jaws (51%) was found. Reasons paediatricians referred patients to specialists varied from mouth breathing-snoring 24% (23/96) to face or teeth asymmetry 87% (84/96). In the multivariable analyses for the effect of gender, work sector or years of experience in the decision for orthodontic referral, we could not identify any significant predictors.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that there was variability regarding orthodontic knowledge among paediatricians. Although the majority were aware of the importance of examination of the oral cavity, they did not have the appropriate knowledge to perform a full and systematic screening for orthodontic problems. The probability of referral was different for the various orthodontic anomalies.

Highlights

  • Correction of dentofacial deformities via orthodontics is an integral part of oral health as it promotes optimal function, periodontal health, aesthetics, and overall oral health-related quality of life [1, 2]

  • Sample A questionnaire was handed to paediatricians who participated in the 55th Panhellenic Congress for Pediatrics, which was held in Kos from the 2nd until the 4th of June 2017

  • Fifty-five percent reported working in the private sector (51/93), while only 21% (18/85) reported having obtained a subspecialty

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Summary

Introduction

Correction of dentofacial deformities via orthodontics is an integral part of oral health as promotes optimal function, periodontal health, aesthetics and overall oral health-related quality of life. Correction of dentofacial deformities via orthodontics is an integral part of oral health as it promotes optimal function, periodontal health, aesthetics, and overall oral health-related quality of life [1, 2]. Dentofacial abnormalities have been associated with speech disorders [3] and people that have undergone orthodontic treatment are able to clean their teeth more effectively, which may Paediatricians are responsible for the health status of infants and children and as such, oral health cannot be excluded from the overall health assessment [7]. If left untreated or not timely treated, lateral mandibular displacement may lead to facial asymmetry due to undesirable growth modification [10]

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