Assessment of the need for orthodontic treatment in a Peruvian sample using the Dental Aesthetic Index.

Introduction: The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) is considered an essential tool in the association of the aesthetic and clinical elements of occlusion. It plays a key role in the timely and essential orthodontic treatment. Objective: to determine the orthodontic treatment required in students of a Peruvian public institution using the DAI. Material and Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out during the months of June to July 2016 in a Peruvian educational institution. The sample consisted of 120 students. The use of the DAI allowed to assess the orthodontic treatment required, through the 10 occlusal conditions and regression indicators that constitute a linear formula, with the following components: no treatment required, elective treatment, desirable treatment, and priority treatment, according to the severity of the malocclusion as normal, defined, severe, and very severe, respectively. Results: 53.3% (64) of the students required priority orthodontic treatment due to presenting DAI=43.03. Between the ages of 12-14 years, 56.7% (34), 8.3% (5), and 28.3% (17) required priority, desirable, and elective orthodontic treatment, respectively. The need for priority orthodontic treatment was more prevalent in females accounting for 57.6% (38). 95% (57) of the students from rural areas required orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: The need for orthodontic treatment in a Peruvian sample using the Dental Aesthetic Index was priority orthodontic treatment, mostly in females with ages ranging between 12-14 years.