Distribution and type of malocclusion treated by post graduate students in State Of Punjab

Malocclusion is one of the most prevalent oral pathologies, next only to dental caries and periodontal disease and usually ranked third among worldwide public health dental disease priorities. The prevalence of malocclusion has been reported to vary from place to place, henceforth, rational planning of orthodontic measures on a population basis is essential in assessing the resources required, to provide a good dental service. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate most prevalent type of malocclusion cases reporting to dental colleges. Methods- A cross sectional study was done using the google form-based questionnaire. Post graduates of dept. of orthodontics, who attended the PG Master course programme, from all the 8 dental colleges of Punjab, was asked to fill the form. Results and Discussion- Class II Div 1 malocclusion was the most common malocclusion both dentally and skeletally, seeking orthodontic treatment. The most common treatment strategy used nowadays fixed orthodontic therapy using MBT prescription. Among the use of Growth modification modalities, fixed functional appliances are more commonly used than myofunctional appliances, reason being more older age group seeking treatment. Conclusion- Among the three occlusal traits, Class II Div 1 was the most common occlusal trait present. Therefore, Post-graduates must be thoroughly trained to treat this type of malocclusion using different modalities of growth modification and orthopaedic appliances and general dentists must have enough knowledge about this malocclusion to diagnose it at a very early stage so that preventive or interceptive therapy can be started well in time.