Comparison of Knowledge and Perception of Orthodontic Treatment among Dental Students and Local Population

People’s perception, awareness and knowledge about their occlusion and esthetics has great impact on their attitude towards orthodontic treatment. In order to assess and compare the knowledge and self-awareness of orthodontic problem and treatment need between dental student and local population a survey was conducted As Patient’s self-perception is of significant importance in successful orthodontic treatment planning. The participants included 110 adults including local population and dental students of Punjab and almost most of them were 20-30 years old. The participants’ opinion regarding self-awareness and orthodontic treatment need was recorded on a specifically designed questionnaire. 61.7% people were aware of their occlusion and most of them were dental studens.38.3% people are afraid of orthodontic treatment due to lack of knowledge and awareness. Dental students had awareness and good knowledge, thus positive attitude towards orthodontics. Local population had little or no knowledge about orthodontic treatment need and most lay people had negative attitude towards orthodontic treatment.