Dental Students knowledge in diagnosing orthodontic problems in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia

Objective: To investigate the ability of undergraduate senior dental students in diagnosing orthodontic problems and to evaluate the clinical approach of these students toward a patient displaying such problems. Materials and Methods: Study was started after the approval by the Institutional Review Board of Riyadh Elm University RC/IRB/2018/1323 with registration number registration number FUGRP/2018/65. The sample consisted of 786 dental students at a private dental university in Riyadh city, and were assessed by questionnaires with closed questions. They were presented with photographs of patients with different types of malocclusions. Results: It was found that level 11 students showed better knowledge in diagnosing the different malocclusions presented in each case. With regards to gender, the female students were significantly more likely to diagnose the need for orthodontic treatment than male students. There was a significant difference between the levels on the interpretation of who could provide the orthodontic treatment. But respondents found it difficult to determine the ideal moment to start orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: On completion of their undergraduate courses, students encounter difficulties in diagnosing various orthodontic problems and even find it hard to articulate ideas about a basic treatment protocol to correct this malocclusion.