Resumen

CALZADA BANDOMO, Amaray et al. The Need for Orthodontic Treatment in School-age Children. Application of Shaw’s Treatment Priority Index. Medisur [online]. 2014, vol.12, n.4, pp. 622-634. ISSN 1727-897X.

Background: it is necessary to clearly define the aspects that lead to a functional and stable dental occlusion, given the impact of occlusion disorders on the stomatognathic system. Objectives: to determine the presence of malocclusion in the study population in order to prioritize treatment of affected patients. Methods: a correlational descriptive study was conducted in children aged five to eleven years from the Antonio Maceo Grajales School in the Area II of the municipality of Cienfuegos during June 2010 - July 2011. The universe consisted of 702 students, from which a stratified probability sample of 210 children was selected. The clinical examination was performed in this institution, the occlusion was checked and data were collected in surveys designed for this purpose, resulting in the establishment of a priority order for treating malocclusions. The respondents’ perceptions about their disorders were determined using a comparative pattern. Results: the frequency of malocclusion was 53.8 %; males predominated. The most frequent dentomaxillofacial abnormalities were: increased overjet, abnormal bilabial closure and increased overbite. By applying Shaw’s index, it was found that only 53 patients could be treated in primary care. Conclusions: the application of Shaw’s index provided useful information to prioritize treatment and to compare children’s perceptions about their malocclusion with real need for treatment.

Palabras clave : index of orthodonthic treatment need; health services needs and demand; malocclusion.

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