Knowledge and Practices of Orthodontists, Pediatric Dentists and General Dentists on Treatment of Crowding in Mixed Dentition

Ortiz-Pizarro M.; Julca-Maldonado S.; Cespedes D.A.; Bonilla-Feria N.; Davila-Carbajal C.; Serna-Alarcon V. · Journal of International Dental and Medical Research (2024)

Resumen

Crowding is a common problem in mixed dentition due to tooth replacement, lack of space, parafunctional habits, among others. The aim of study was to compare the knowledge and practices between orthodontists, pediatric dentists and general dentists regarding the treatment of dental crowding in mixed dentition. A virtual survey was used in a sample of 416 professionals divided into 207 general dentists, 77 pediatric dentists and 132 orthodontists. An electronic instrument with 21 questions was sent, consisting of an inventory and a questionnaire with adequate validity and reliability characteristics. The Chi Square test was used with a confidence level of 95%. Regarding the level of knowledge, significant differences were found between orthodontists, pediatric dentists and general dentists (p=0.002); with a higher percentage of high knowledge in pediatric dentists. In the opinion of the three groups of professionals about their practices, there were no differences regarding the best time to start treatment (p=0.108), aspect considered to start treatment (p=0.889), treatment frequently used for crowding (p=0.712), technique used to perform dental stripping (p=0.087) and the type of appliance most effective to treat crowding (p=0.151). It is concluded that there was a significantly higher level of knowledge about the treatment of dental crowding in pediatric dentists, followed by orthodontists and general dentists. Practices regarding the treatment of crowding in mixed dentition were similar between the three groups of professionals. © (2024), (University of Dicle). All Rights Reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego; Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo