AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF SKELETAL ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS OF STUDENTS AGES TO14 AND THEIR PARENTS IN RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA: BASIS FOR PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS IN ORAL HEALTH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The study determined the level of awareness and knowledge of malocclusion and skeletal orthodontic problems among students ages 7 to 14 and their parents in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study used quantitative, descriptive, comparative, and correlational methods of research. A researcher-made questionnaire was administered to 381 students and 381 parents selected through purposive sampling technique. The results showed that the students were mostly male (93.44%), 13-15 years old (38.32%), in grade level 1 to 3 middle school (38.32%). Their parents were mostly male (65.35%); 35-44 years old (55.12%); majority were in the medium socio-economic status (85.04%); and majority were college graduates (62.74%). The students’ level of awareness in terms of malocclusion was “Moderate Level.” The students’ level of awareness in terms of skeletal problem was “Low Level.” The parents’ level of awareness in terms of malocclusion was “Moderate Level.” The parents’ level of awareness in terms of skeletal problem “Low Level.” The students’ level of knowledge as assessed by themselves in terms of malocclusion “Low Level.” The students’ level of knowledge in terms of skeletal problem was “Low Level.” The parents’ level of knowledge in terms of malocclusion was “Moderate Level.” The parents’ level of knowledge in terms of skeletal problem was “Low Level.” There was a significant relationship between the age and grade level of students’ and their assessment of knowledge in malocclusion and skeletal problem