Evaluation of parents' knowledge and awareness of early orthodontic treatment for their children in Türkiye

ABSTRACT

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and awareness levels of parents in Turkish society regarding early orthodontic treatment and to explain how it is related to various factors.

Materials And Methods

The survey was distributed to voluntary participants across Türkiye via Google Forms. Sociodemographic data and data measuring the level of knowledge and awareness about early orthodontic treatment were obtained. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 25. Categorical and nominal variables were tested with Chi Square test. All P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

Of the 671 patients, %50.4 reported that they would prefer an orthodontist for treatment. The biggest concern about early orthodontic treatment is that the treatment is expensive (%22.5). The level of education and knowledge of parents remained statistically significant (p<0.001). The knowledge level of individuals with a master's degree and above was found to be higher.

Conclusions

Socioeconomic factors determine parents' approach to early orthodontic treatment. As income and education levels increase, the approach to early orthodontic treatment is positively affected. Providing education on early orthodontic treatment will increase the knowledge and awareness levels of individuals in society. In addition, social media serves as an important source for accessing information about early orthodontic treatment.