Research abstract
British Dental Journal 200, 609 - 612 (2006)
Published online: 10 June 2006 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4813640
Subject Categories: Orthodontics | Paediatric dentistry
The orthodontic condition of children in the United Kingdom, 2003
I G Chestnutt1, D J Burden2, J G Steele3, N B Pitts4, N M Nuttall5 & A J Morris6
- Reports the orthodontic condition of children aged 12 and 15 years in the 2003 Children's Dental Health Survey.
- Examines the relationship between orthodontic condition and deprivation.
- Demonstrates considerable variation between professional and lay perceptions of orthodontic treatment need.
- Records trends in the types of appliance used since the 1983 Children's Dental Health survey.
- The dentinal caries experience of children in the United Kingdom, 2003
- Non-carious tooth conditions in children in the UK, 2003
- Patterns of care and service use amongst children in the UK, 2003
- Oral health habits amongst children in the United Kingdom in 2003
- The reported impact of oral condition on children in the United Kingdom, 2003
- The orthodontic condition of children in the United Kingdom, 2003
Abstract
Background The 2003 Children's Dental Health Survey is the fourth in a series of decennial national children's dental health surveys in the United Kingdom.
Aims This paper reports on the orthodontic condition of children aged 12 and 15 years.
Methodology A representative sample of children across the UK were invited to participate in a clinical dental examination in school. Two thousand, five hundred and ninety-five 12-year-olds and 2,142 15-year-olds were examined. Current and past orthodontic treatment and type of appliance worn were recorded. Orthodontic treatment need was assessed by the Modified IOTN in those not undergoing treatment. A postal questionnaire sought parents' views on the orthodontic condition of their children and perceived need for treatment.
Results At age 12, 35% were judged to have an orthodontic treatment need, 57% had no need and 8% were wearing an appliance. The corresponding figures at age 15 were, 21% (need), 65% (no need) and 14% (wearing appliance). A higher proportion of girls (p < 0.05) were wearing an appliance than boys. A greater proportion of 15-year-olds were undergoing treatment than in the 1993 and 1983 surveys and the use of fixed appliances had increased.
Conclusions In this representative sample of UK children, one in five were still judged as having an orthodontic treatment need at age 15 years, as determined by the modified index of orthodontic treatment need. However, considerable variation was observed between professional and lay perceptions of need.
- Reader/Hon. Consultant in Dental Public Health, Cardiff University
- Consultant Orthodontist and Senior Lecturer, Queen's University Belfast
- Chair in Oral Health Services Research, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
- Professor and Director, Dental Health Services Research Unit, Dundee
- Reader, University of Dundee
- Lecturer in Dental Public Health, University of Birmingham
Correspondence to: I G Chestnutt1
Department Dental Health and Biological Sciences, Dental School, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XY
e-mail: chestnuttig@cardiff.ac.uk
