article · Nigerian Journal of Dental Research
Children and adolescents make up a substantial share of orthodontic patients, placing schoolteachers in a strong position to introduce them to oral healthcare. A cross-sectional survey evaluating public secondary school teachers in Lagos, Nigeria, examined their awareness, understanding, and perceptions regarding orthodontic care. While roughly three-quarters of the surveyed teachers had heard of orthodontics, accurate understanding remained low, with under half displaying good knowledge. Misconceptions were widespread, including the belief held by over a third of respondents that orthodontics involves replacing missing teeth. Although over sixty per cent showed a positive attitude and two-thirds expressed willingness to wear braces, practical engagement scores were low. Higher educational attainment correlated with better knowledge, while female teachers demonstrated more positive attitudes towards orthodontic care.
Schoolteachers spend considerable time with children and adolescents, making them valuable intermediaries for early healthcare guidance. Identifying gaps and misconceptions in their understanding of dental and orthodontic health highlights where targeted educational initiatives could empower educators to support pupils in accessing appropriate specialist care.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway, as it focuses strictly on assessing baseline knowledge, attitudes, and practices among teachers.
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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.
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DOI: 10.4314/njdr.v10i2.10
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