The index of orthodontic treatment need as an assessment method in public health

Abstract

Malocclusions are considered public health problems, needing a uniform method of assessment that prioritizes the attendance of individuals with greater orthodontic treatment need. Among the several oclusal indices developed with this purpose, the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need has been used in many countries. As the demand for this treatment in public services in Brazil exceeds the offers, there is a need to implement an adequate method of patient's selection. Thus, the aim of this article is to elucidate this index methodology and its benefits, because it can be very useful in orthodontic treatment referrals and triages.

Severity of Illness Index; Malocclusion; Triage; Public health