Motivation, expectations and understanding of patients and their parents seeking orthodontic treatment in specialist practice

Objectives: To determine patient and parent/guardian motivation, expectation and understanding of orthodontic treatment. Design: A self-completion questionnaire survey of new patients referred for orthodontic assessment. Setting: Specialist practices in Surrey and Berkshire (United Kingdom). Participants: A total of 500 questionnaires were issued (250 were issued to patients and 250 to parents). Methods: The survey was based on a self-completed questionnaire which was issued at the assessment appointment. Both questionnaires were adapted and extended from originally validated questionnaires previously used in a hospital setting. Patients and parents were asked to complete separate anonymous questionnaires. The patient questionnaire consisted of 24 closed-ended questions divided into three domains: motivation; understanding; and expectation of orthodontic treatment. The parent questionnaire consisted of 13 questions covering the same three domains Results: The response rate for the patient and parent questionnaires was 95% and 91%, respectively. Forty-seven percent of the patients were aged 11–13 years. In 77% of cases, the referral was initiated by their dentist. Only 3% of patients thought there was nothing wrong with their teeth. There was a poor understanding of what a retainer is and for how long patients are expected to use it. Conclusions: Referral for orthodontic treatment was initiated by the patients’ general dental practitioner in the major-ity of the cases. The anticipation of improved dental appearance was a prime motivating factor. Participants had realistic expectations and there was a good acceptance of appliances and dental extractions for orthodontic treatment. Neverthe-less, both patients and parents/guardians were less well informed on the nature and duration of orthodontic retention.