The orthodontic condition of children in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 2013

Background The 2013 Children's Dental Health Survey is the fifth in a series of national surveys. Aims This paper reports the orthodontic condition of 12- and 15-year-olds and how they and their parents feel about the appearance of their teeth. Methodology A representative sample of children (5y, 8y, 12y, 15y) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were invited to participate in dental examinations. A modified Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) was used as a measure of orthodontic treatment need for 12- and 15-year-olds. Children and parents were invited to complete a questionnaire about oral health behaviour and attitudes. Results Nine percent of 12-year-olds and 18% of 15-year-olds were undergoing orthodontic treatment at the time of the survey. Forty-four percent of 12-year-olds and 29% of 15-year-olds expressed a desire for straighter teeth, however over half of this group would not qualify for NHS treatment. Unmet treatment need was higher in children eligible for free school meals (P <0.05 at 15y). Conclusions Provision of and demand for orthodontic treatment is increasing, with a significant proportion of children who desire orthodontic care not eligible to receive it. Children from deprived backgrounds have greater unmet orthodontic treatment need.