NHU CẦU CHỈNH NHA CỦA SINH VIÊN KHOA RĂNG HÀM MẶT TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC VĂN LANG

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the orthodontic treatment needs of students at the Faculty of Dentistry, Van Lang University and to examine the relationship between the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and the students’ self-perception. Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design and was conducted from February 2024 to June 2025 among students from the Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. Each participant underwent a clinical examination to assess the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and subsequently completed a questionnaire on self-perceived orthodontic treatment needs. Data were entered and analyzed using Stata software. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test to evaluate the statistical significance of associations between variables. Results: According to the Dental Health Component (DHC) of the IOTN, the majority of students were classified at grade 2 (37,7%) and grade 3 (34,1%), with grade 1 accounting for 5,8%. No cases were recorded at grade 5. There was no statistically significant difference between genders (p = 0,225). According to the Aesthetic Component (AC), 53,6% of students were in the "no/little need for treatment" group, 31,2% were in the "definite need for treatment" group, and 15,2% were at the "borderline need"; no statistically significant gender difference was found (p = 0,815). To assess the association between self-perceived orthodontic treatment needs and DHC, the p-value of 0.008 indicates a statistically significant relationship. In contrast, for AC, the p-value of 0.05 suggests a borderline statistical significance, indicating a trend toward association but not strong enough to draw a definitive conclusion. Conclusion: Based on the DHC, most students were at the mild or little need for treatment. According to the AC, the majority fell into the no or slight need for treatment category. Both DHC and AC showed statistically significant differences when compared to students' self-perceived orthodontic treatment needs. This indicates that the IOTN is a useful tool for assessing orthodontic treatment needs. However, further in-depth studies are necessary to strengthen the scientific evidence.