Comparative evaluation of perceptions regarding orthodontic treatment needs among orthodontist, pedodontist and general dental practitioners in India: A questionnaire based study

• Author Details:   
• Nikhita P. Pekhale ^*
• Rajeshwari R Auti
• Kunal V. Sonawane
• Aditya Das
• Jinal S. Patel
• Neha D. Shinde
• Rahul M. Jaybhaye

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Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the perceptions regarding orthodontic treatment needs among Orthodontist, Pedodontist and General Dental Practitioners.
Aim: To evaluate and compare the perceptions regarding orthodontic treatment needs among Orthodontist, Pedodontist and general Dental Practitioners.
Materials and Methods: Orthodontists, pediatric dentists, and general dentists who were members of the Indian Orthodontic Society (IOS), Dental Council of India (DCI), and Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) were mailed three online questionnaires.
The Questionnaire send to professionals included questions about the type of orthodontic treatment provided by them, referral trends, cases treated orthodontically per year, time spend providing orthodontic treatment, time invested in providing consultation for orthodontic treatment, presumed benefits associated with successful orthodontic treatment.
Results: The survey was filled out by 116 orthodontists, 112 pediatric dentists, and 119 general practitioners. Just 71.4% of pediatric dentists and 26.8% of general dentists said they were clinical orthodontic practitioners.
Conclusion: There was statistically significant difference in the perception of pediatric dentists, general dentists, and orthodontists about the advantages of successfully completed orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontist along with Pedodontist reported that successfully treated orthodontic case improves self-esteem, easier teeth cleaning and improves physical attractiveness is more compared to other groups.

Keywords: Comparison, Orthodontist, treatment needs, Pedodontist, General dental practitioners, India, Questionnaire.