Evaluation of Awareness and Knowledge of Orthodontic Treatment Among Primary and Secondary School Students: a Cross-Sectional Epidemiological School Study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional research was to compare the knowledge and awareness of students in two different provinces of eastern and western Turkey about orthodontic treatment and to evaluate the awareness of orthodontic treatment among primary and secondary school students. Materials and Methods: A total of 2342 students between the ages of 7 and 15 were included in the study. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 30 questions, including questions about demographics and orthodontic treatment. 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and, 8th-grade students were included in the study. The survey was conducted in selected schools in district centers of Van and Izmir. Results: The number of students participating in the study from Izmir was 855 (452 girls, 403 boys), and 1487 (724 boys, 763 girls) from Van. Female students' orthodontic awareness was higher than male students. There was also a statistically significant difference in the examinations conducted by cities. The students in Izmir were determined to be more conscious about orthodontic awareness in the majority of the questions in the survey. There were statistically significant differences between primary and secondary school students in terms of orthodontic awareness as a result of evaluating the primary and secondary schools separately. Secondary school students had a higher level of orthodontic awareness. Conclusion: Students' orthodontic awareness and deficiencies in this respect were determined. It was concluded that orthodontic awareness was affected by age group, gender, and socio-economic and socio-cultural structure of the city.