Presentation Category
Research
Introduction/Context/Diagnosis
The specific aim of the research was to evaluate the prevalence of orthodontic treatments including one-phase vs. two-phase orthodontic treatment and the use of different retainers among dental students nationwide.
Methods/Treatment Plan
Qualtrics Pacific was used to create and send a questionnaire to dental students here at University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. The study received 130 valid responses from the students regarding their demographic background and orthodontic treatment history. The study analyzed the effect of sex and race on history of orthodontic treatment, location of treatment, presence of malocclusion, presence of short roots, timeline of orthodontic treatment, age of first orthodontic treatment, type of orthodontic treatment, and history of retainer usage. Statistical analyses were performed with appropriate tests and crosstabs.
Results/Outcome
Overall, research suggests that women on average were more likely to receive their orthodontic treatment from a clinic in an urban setting, X2(1, N=130) = 4.03, p <0.05. Moreover, women were more likely than males to have short roots, X2(1, N=130) = 6.34, p <0.05, and undergo single phase treatment, X2(2, N=127) = 4.03, p <0.05. Both men and women showed no significant differences in prevalence of malocclusion, presence of orthodontic treatment, retainer usage, retainer timeline, and age of first orthodontic treatment. Regarding race, Asians were more likely to receive orthodontic treatment in an urban setting, p<0.01, and have short roots, p <0.05, than individuals of other races. All races showed no significant differences malocclusion, orthodontic timeline, retainer usage, retainer timeline, and age of first orthodontic treatment. Braces and retainers were the most widely used orthodontic treatment regardless of gender and race, P<0.01. Women and Asians were more likely to experience short roots and complete orthodontic treatment in an urban setting as opposed to a rural settin. Women also were more likely to undergo Single-Phase for orthodontic treatment.
Significance/Conclusions
Regardless of gender and race, braces and retainers were the most widely used orthodontic treatment. Further analysis regarding age and the associated factors still need to be examined. Moreover, analysis regarding retainer compliance, length, and relapse status are yet to be examined.
Format
Event
Prevalence of Orthodontic Treatments Among Dental Students
The specific aim of the research was to evaluate the prevalence of orthodontic treatments including one-phase vs. two-phase orthodontic treatment and the use of different retainers among dental students nationwide.
Comments/Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Dr. Marie Tolarova, MD, PhD, DSc and Dr. Jennifer Yau, DDS, MsD for their guidance.