Original Research

Year : 2025 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 3 | Page : 49-63

Evaluating the Use of Pretreatment Diagnostic Records among Orthodontists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Doaa H. Alsaggaf 1

1-Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Address for Correspondence:

Doaa H. Alsaggaf, BDS, DScD, ABO-Board Certified

King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry,

Department of Orthodontics, Alsulemaneya,

PO Box 80209, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia

Tel: +966 506357194

Email: dalsaggaf@kau.edu.sa

ABSTRACT

Background: Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment planning and achieving successful outcomes in orthodontics. Limited research has explored the use of pretreatment diagnostic records by orthodontists in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic records routinely used by orthodontists in Saudi Arabia and to examine demographic trends influencing their diagnostic practices.

Methods: A computer-based questionnaire was completed by 194 orthodontists practicing in Saudi Arabia. The survey collected demographic information and data on the routine use of diagnostic records including, photographs, panoramic radiographs, lateral cephalograms, full-mouth intraoral radiographs, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, conventional study models, and digital models. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize response frequencies. Demographic variations in diagnostic record utilization were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests with Holm-Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Results: The most frequently used diagnostic records among participating orthodontists were photographs and panoramic radiographs, reported by 94.3% of respondents. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were used by 91.2% and CBCT was utilized by 10.8%. Conventional study models were employed by 66.5% of orthodontists, while 25.3% used digital models. Significant demographic differences were observed, particularly in the type of study models used. More experienced orthodontists were significantly more likely to use digital study models (P = 0.01), as were orthodontists practicing exclusively in private practice (P = 0.003), and those in urban areas (P = 0.003).

Conclusion: Photographs, panoramic radiographs, and lateral cephalograms were the most frequently used diagnostic records. The use of digital study models remains emerging. Orthodontists’ demographics appear to influence their diagnostic record selection. This study provides valuable baseline data on the diagnostic practices of orthodontists in Saudi Arabia and offers a reference point for future longitudinal studies and international comparisons.

Keywords: Orthodontics; Diagnosis; Demographics; Dental Records; Treatment Planning; Survey.

SOURCE OF FUNDING

No funding was received for the study.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The author has no conflict of interest to declare.
How to cite this article: Doaa H. Alsaggaf. Evaluating the Use of Pretreatment Diagnostic Records among Orthodontists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Orthod Rehabil 2025; 16 (3): 49-63.

Doi: 10.56501/Intjorthodrehabil.v16i3.ijor0008

Original Research

Year : 2024 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 1 | Page : 16-28

Perception of Dental Caries Risk and Prevention among Orthodontic Patients – A Cross-Sectional Survey

Doaa H. Alsaggaf 1, Salha R. Aljohani 2

1,2Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Address for Correspondence: Doaa H.Alsaggaf, BDS, DScD, ABO King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics, Alsulemaneya, POBox80209, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia

Tel: +966506357194

Email: dalsaggaf@kau.edu.sa

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the perception of dental caries risk and prevention among patients undergoing orthodontic treatment and to assess the influence of the oral hygiene information attained during orthodontic visits on patients’ perception of dental caries prevention.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire gathered information from 207 orthodontic patients (aged 18 and older). The questionnaire included questions about patients’ demographics, perception of dental caries risk and prevention during orthodontic treatment, and oral hygiene information received in orthodontic visits. Frequency distributions of responses were evaluated. Chi-square test was used to assess the differences in patients’ perception of dental caries prevention by demographics, and the oral hygiene information received during orthodontic appointments.

Results: 74.9% of orthodontic patients perceived to be responsible for dental caries during orthodontic treatment, and 30.4% of patients perceived that it is abnormal to develop dental caries during treatment. Patients receiving information about tooth brushing methods and oral hygiene accessories during orthodontic appointments had a better perception of appropriate oral hygiene in preventing dental caries (P= 0.01 and P= 0.04, respectively). Moreover, patients receiving dietary information during orthodontic appointments had a better perception of supporting a good diet and avoiding sweets in preventing dental caries (P< 0.001 and P= 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion: There is a need to improve orthodontic patients’ perception of their risk of dental caries during orthodontic treatment and the manners that would help to avoid new decay lesions. Orthodontists should not underestimate the value of providing and reinforcing oral hygiene instructions throughout the course of orthodontic treatment. 

SOURCE OF FUNDING

No funding was received for the study.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

How to Cite this Article: Alsaggaf, D. H., & Aljohani, S. R. (2024). Perception of Dental Caries Risk and Prevention among Orthodontic Patients – A Cross-Sectional Survey: Original Research. International Journal of Orthodontic Rehabilitation, 15(1), 16–28. https://doi.org/10.56501/intjorthodrehabil.v15i1.960