Malocclusion among 12-year-old school children in Mankweng, Limpopo Province of South Africa.
Consent was obtained from all relevant authorities to undertake an epidemiological survey to determine the occlusal status of a sample of 12-year-old Black school children in Mankweng Circuit, Limpopo Province. The examination was carried out using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) criteria, under conditions prescribed by the WHO in 1987. The results were analysed using the Kotmogorov-Smirnov Test. The results of the study showed that forty seven percent (47%) of the subjects required orthodontic treatment, in the categories: definitive 20%, severe 13% and handicapping 14%. There is a proven need for orthodontic treatment among 12-year-old Black school children in Mankweng. Since there is no government hospital or clinic to provide such treatment, a centre should be established.
Hlongwa
P
P
Department of Orthodontics, Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus. phlongwa@ul.ac.za
du Plessis
J B
JB
D044383:Black People; D002648:Child; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology