Factors influencing the uptake of orthodontic treatment.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that may influence orthodontic treatment uptake such as socioeconomic class (SEC), type of funding, and gender.

Methods: The sample comprised 550 adolescents (232 men, 318 women) aged 13-17 years. Demographic data and questions concerning treatment experience, satisfaction with dental appearance, self-perceived need, dental attendance pattern, and presence of a health insurance were collected by means of a questionnaire. SEC was established by using an index developed for Jordanians. Normative treatment need was assessed by using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis were used for the statistical analyses.

Results: Treatment uptake was significantly less in the low SEC group (5.2 percent) than the other SEC groups. Women were more frequently treated than men as were those subjects who possessed a health insurance and who regularly attended a dentist. The odds of not receiving orthodontic treatment were significantly higher in the lowest SEC group (odds ratio = 26, P < 0.001). Gender, health insurance, and dental attendance pattern were significant variables in predicting treatment uptake but to a lesser extent than SEC.

Conclusions: Low SEC had a strong predictive effect on treatment uptake; socioeconomically deprived individuals were less likely to undergo orthodontic treatment.