author = {Rekhi, Amit. and Singh, Jyoti. and Dadu, Mohit. and Singh, Shreya. and Rai, Archana. and Rai, Vineet.}, title = {{Assessment of the correlation between the perceived, desired, and normatively determined orthodontic treatment needs in a rural population of India}}, journal ={Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry}, volume ={19}, number ={1}, pages = {4-9}, doi = {10.4103/jiaphd.jiaphd_54_20}, year = {2021}, abstract ={ Background: The perception about what constitutes a pleasing smile varies from person to person. The problem of crooked teeth may not be perceived as an actual need for treatment by some, and may differ not only on an individual basis, but also from a geographic perspective. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess if orthodontic treatment needs correlated with the actual self-perception and desire for orthodontic treatment in a rural population and was there an influence of gender and age. Materials and Methods: The study population included 495 older adolescents and younger adults between the age group of 16–24 years, randomly selected from villages in Dehradun. They were asked about their desire for orthodontic treatment and evaluated through the esthetic component of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-AC) and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Bivariate analyses using the Chi-square test were performed (SPSS software [version 17.0]) to test the influence of age and gender on desired, perceived, and normative needs. Associations between the different needs were tested using both simple and multiple logistic regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Approximately 48.1% of the study population showed a desire for orthodontic treatment for their teeth. For perceived needs assessed through IOTN-AC, 11.91% indicated a definite need for orthodontic treatment. The DAI scores estimated the normative treatment needs with 25.86% indicating a mandatory need for orthodontic treatment. Gender and age differences influenced desired need (P = 0.017; P = 0.014) but had no relation with perceived (P = 0.269; P = 0.058) or normatively determined orthodontic treatment needs (P = 0.093; P = 0.087). Conclusion: Statistically significant association was observed between the normative needs and desire for orthodontic treatment. Gender and age differences influenced desired needs only. }, URL ={https://journals.lww.com/aphd/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=2319-5932;year=2021;volume=19;issue=1;spage=4;epage=9;aulast=Rekhi;t=6}, eprint ={https://journals.lww.com/aphd/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=2319-5932;year=2021;volume=19;issue=1;spage=4;epage=9;aulast=Rekhi;t=6} }