Prevalence and predictors of malocclusion among students in special needs schools in Amhara region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study revealed a high prevalence of malocclusion among students in special needs schools. Key predictors included intellectual disability, visual impairment, and the presence of medical comorbidities. These findings underscore the urgent need for accessible orthodontic care for students with disabilities. The Ministry of Health should implement targeted oral health interventions and educational programs, particularly for those with intellectual and visual impairments. Future research should explore the causal pathways linking disability and malocclusion through longitudinal studies to overcome the limitations of cross-sectional data.