AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC SURVEY OF EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT NEED IN PHILADELPHIA PEDIATRIC DENTAL PATIENTS USING THE INDEX FOR PREVENTIVE AND INTERCEPTIVE ORTHODONTIC NEEDS (IPION)

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Early Orthodontic Treatment (EOT) has been extensively studied, but questions still remain regarding the prevalence of its need in the United States. Without information regarding the epidemiology of EOT need, it is difficult to make determinations as to its viability as a Medicaid service. The Index for Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontic Needs (IPION) developed by Coetzee is the only index specifically meant for children in the mixed dentition. The purpose of this study was to utilize the IPION to measure EOT need in two pediatric dental populations in Philadelphia. Methods: 87 children between the ages of 6 and 9 were screened using the IPION. Overall scores, demographic information, and prevalence of specific malocclusions were recorded and analyzed. Results: A substantial proportion of children fell into the definite treatment need category (60.92% ±5.2% when including restorations and caries in the score, 31.03%±5.0% when excluding restorations and caries from the score). Site of screenings, race and sex had no significant effects on prevalence of EOT need, while IPION rubric used (IPION6 versus IPION9) had marginally significant effects on the prevalence of EOT need. Conclusions: There is a significant proportion of children in Philadelphia pediatric dental populations who have unmet EOT needs. Patients, communities, Medicaid, orthodontists and residents could all benefit from treatment of these children if policy were changed to allow EOT to be covered by Medicaid in Pennsylvania.