PARENT`S KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE REGARDING THEIR CHILDREN MALOCCLUSION AND ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA

Authors

  • Hussain Y.A. Marghalani, Waleed Almanjhi, Rala Alalmai, Basma Alshehri, Khlood Ali Alshehri, Taif AlQarni, Nada Alshyarba, Anwar Dawas, Rajaa Alsulaimani, Khames T. Alzahrani Author

Abstract

Background: Malocclusion poses significant dental and psychological challenges, impacting children’s quality of life and self-esteem. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of malocclusion is approximately 62.4%. This research aims to assess the knowledge levels of Saudi parents about their children's malocclusion and evaluate their practices toward seeking orthodontic treatment.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered to a sample of 746 Saudi parents aged 20 to 60 years, recruited through various social media platforms. The questionnaire included demographic information and inquiries about parents’ understanding and attitudes towards malocclusion and orthodontic care.

Results: The majority of participants (76.4%) were female, with a mean age of 30.9 years; 62.7% held a bachelor’s degree, and 45.6% reported an income exceeding 12,000 SAR. While 73.2% recognized the adverse effects of malocclusion on self-esteem, 66.8% acknowledged the benefits of early intervention. Despite this awareness, 51.2% had not considered orthodontic treatment for their children. Notably, 70.2% believed orthodontic consultations were necessary between ages 1 and 7, yet 55.8% preferred to delay treatment until adolescence. Alarmingly, only 25.7% demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding malocclusion, and financial constraints significantly affected access to care, as indicated by 31.8% of respondents.

 Conclusion: Although many parents in Saudi Arabia exhibit awareness of the implications of malocclusion and the importance of timely orthodontic intervention, a considerable gap exists between knowledge and practice. Further educational initiatives are warranted to enhance parental understanding and encourage proactive orthodontic care for children, addressing barriers such as cost and accessibility to improve overall dental health outcomes.

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Published

2025-01-15

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Articles

How to Cite

PARENT`S KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE REGARDING THEIR CHILDREN MALOCCLUSION AND ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA. (2025). CAHIERS MAGELLANES-NS, 487-503. https://magellanes.com/index.php/CMN/article/view/1236