Perception of malocclusion in lay persons measured by psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics questionnaire (pidaq)

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the perception of malocclusion in lay persons as measured by PIDAQ questionnaire.
Methods: Thirty-Three Dental students were asked to complete a modified version of the ‘Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire’ (PIDAQ) at the start of their BDS course. A total of four variables including ‘Dental Self-confidence’, ‘Social impact’, ‘Psychological impact’ and ‘Perceived orthodontic treatment need’ were assessed by a series of statements. The severity of malocclusion was measured by the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Gender was also recorded. The data was statistically analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The total and subscale PIDAQ scores showed no significant differences by gender. Also, IOTN-DHC and IOTN-AC score showed no significant association with gender. No significant association was seen between any PIDAQ subscale and IOTN-DHC grades. IOTN-DHC and IOTN-AC were not a predictive variable of PIDAQ subscales- DSC, SI, PI and AC scores.
Conclusion: Malocclusion has a psychological impact in adults. No significant difference was seen between girls and boys for psychological impact of malocclusion. Both the components of IOTN are not significant predictable variables of PIDAQ scale