March 2008

Orthodontic Unit, Department Of Preventive Dentistry, College Of Medical Sciences, University Of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the need for orthodontic treatment among Nigerian children aged 12-14 years old in Benin City, south-southern region of Nigeria. Research Design The sample consisted of 261 randomly selected school children, 122 boys (47%) and 139 girls (53%) with mean age of 12.9 ± 0.1. The survey was conducted by clinical examination and both components of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) were used to determine the need for orthodontic treatment. Results The results revealed that 50 (19.2%) of the children had a definite need for orthodontic treatment according to dental health component while aesthetic component of IOTN indicated definite need in 12 (4.6%). Increased overjet, severe contact displacements and impeded eruption of teeth were the common occlusal features in the definite treatment need group. Conclusion This study provided data on the need for orthodontic treatment among Nigerian school children which is useful to plan and prioritise orthodontic care and services. Key words: Index of Orthodontic treatment need, malocclusion, Nigerian children, orthodontic treatment need.