Knowledge and attitude of teachers in public schools towards orthodontics and orthodontic treatment.

Teachers' Knowledge and Attitude towards Orthodontics

Abstract

Background Children and adolescents constitute a large number of orthodontic patients. Teachers can play a role in introducing orthodontic care to children as they spend a lot of time with them.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude of teachers towards orthodontics and orthodontic treatment.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done among public secondary school teachers. Data collection was done via a structured questionnaire comprising 33 questions administered to teachers in public schools in Lagos Nigeria. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed to interpret the data with statistical significance set at P<0.05. 

Results: About 76.4% reported awareness of orthodontics, only 42% had good knowledge with misconceptions being common, 36.1% believed orthodontics involves replacing missing teeth. A positive attitude was observed in 61% of respondents, and 66.7% was willing to wear braces. Practice scores were low: only 28% demonstrated good orthodontic-related practice. Higher education was significantly associated with better knowledge (p = 0.012), and gender was associated with attitude (p = 0.009), with females more likely to report a positive attitude.

Conclusion: Although awareness of orthodontics was moderate among teachers, detailed understanding and practical engagement were limited. Teachers with higher education and female teachers had better knowledge and attitudes.