Malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need of handicapped individuals in South Canara,India

AIMS: To estimate the prevalence and the severity of malocclusion and treatment need for 329 handicapped individuals. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: 329 handicapped individuals aged 11-30 years, attending eight different nonresidential special schools of South Canara, India. METHOD: Examination and recording using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). RESULTS: 53% had a dental appearance which required no orthodontic treatment, 24% had a definite malocclusion, where treatment was 'elective' and treatment for a further 12% was considered to be 'highly desirable'. The remaining subjects (11%) had a handicapping malocclusion where treatment was considered mandatory. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of definite and severe malocclusions was higher in the mentally subnormal individuals when compared to other handicapping conditions. Orthodontic services for the handicapped have generally been neglected.