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Ngom PI, Brown R et al. Eur J Orthod 2005; 27: 597–600

There is contradictory evidence on whether aesthetics are judged differently by different ethnic groups. In a dental school in Senegal, 98 photos were taken of the anterior dentition of subjects with a representative range of malocclusions. Images were projected on a screen for 20 sec., for 45 Caucasian and 41 African lay judges to assess attractiveness on a visual analogue scale. Indices of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) were recorded for all subjects by a calibrated orthodontist.

Caucasian judges scored attractiveness about 15% lower than Africans, and perceived 89 photographs as less attractive than the African judges. When asked to determine treatment need, both groups of judges reached similar assessments. However, in comparing the IOTN and ICON, the authors consider that the latter index was somewhat better at identifying subjects in need of treatment in this population.