Abstract

Background: More attention is needed in understanding the physical, social, and psychological impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life since it provides more understanding of the demand for orthodontic treatment beyond clinician limits. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of orthodontic treatment needs on the oral health-related quality of life for dental students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. A random sample of 100 2nd years to 5th year dental students aged 17-23 years from the University of Medical Sciences and Technology in Sudan was obtained, and each subject was assessed for orthodontic treatment need using the Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs by taking photographs of the dentition. Each subject was also given an Oral health-related quality to life questionnaire to complete: The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) Results: In general, the oral health- related quality of life was good in this sample. Males generally showed a significantly higher OHIP scores in the handicap domain than females. (Pvalue: 0.003). Despite the fact that no significant gender differences were observed in the remaining quality of life domains, when the Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN-AC) was separately evaluated, it was found that males with borderline need for treatment had significantly higher impacts on oral health than females in the same group with regards to functional limitation and psychological discomfort, as well as overall OHIP scores (P= 0.014, 0.05, 0.000 respectively). Conclusion: Malocclusion does not appear to affect the oral health-related quality of life to a measurable degree.