Study of Malocclusion and Dental Aesthetics Perception Among University Students in Kogi State

Subjective perception of dental aesthetics influences self-esteem and treatment-seeking behaviour, and studying this alongside clinical malocclusion measures in Nigerian university students provides a patient-centred assessment. This study examined malocclusion prevalence and dental aesthetics perception among undergraduate students at Kogi State University Anyigba, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 300 students was conducted. Clinical examinations assessed malocclusion using Angle's classification and the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (Aesthetic Component and Dental Health Component). Students rated their dental appearance on a visual analogue scale and responded to questions about smile satisfaction, peer comments on teeth, and treatment motivation. Results showed that 52.0 percent had some form of malocclusion. Based on IOTN-DHC, 24.7 percent had definite treatment need. Only 38.0 percent were satisfied with their dental appearance. Students with perceived unsatisfactory dental aesthetics showed significantly higher IOTN-DHC scores. Treatment desire was expressed by 56.7 percent of those with definite need. Students who had experienced peer negative comments about their teeth showed significantly lower smile satisfaction. Only 14.3 percent had ever consulted a dentist about their tooth alignment. Recommendations include incorporating orthodontic assessment into university student health services, training dental officers in preliminary orthodontic triage, and establishing a student orthodontic referral network between Kogi State University and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

Keywords: malocclusion, IOTN, dental aesthetics, university students, Kogi State