Use and knowledge of IOTN among GDPs in Scotland.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use and knowledge of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) by general dental practitioners (GDPs) working within Scotland.

SETTING: Scottish general dental services (SGDS).

METHODS: Questionnaires were posted to randomly selected dentists (n=356) working within the SGDS for self-completion and return.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Use of IOTN.Knowledge of IOTN Participants were asked to match 12 malocclusions to the correct IOTN category. Kappa statistics evaluated agreement to a gold standard.

RESULTS: The overall response rate was 64%. Sixty-one percent of respondents did not use IOTN. The most common reason for using the index was to assess treatment eligibility (40.2%). The main reason for non-use was that it was only considered suitable for secondary dental care (27%). Over half (56%) of respondents had received IOTN training at undergraduate level. Knowledge of the index was found to be low--the mean level of agreement was k=0.42 (fair). 10.5% of respondents scored k≥0.61(substantial). The factors most likely to contribute to both use and knowledge of IOTN were having a postgraduate qualification and carrying out orthodontic treatment in practice.

CONCLUSION: Overall use and knowledge of IOTN among GDPs in Scotland appears to still be low. More resources need to be directed towards improving both undergraduate and postgraduate orthodontic training with the focus on IOTN in particular.