Aim: The study aimed to assess reasons for avoiding orthodontic treatment among dental students and non dental students with malocclusion requiring orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty dental and One hundred and fifty non dental students who would fall into IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) index grade 3, 4 and 5 answered a semi structured questionnaire containing 4 questions which records their awareness and concern about malocclusion and reasons for avoiding orthodontic treatment. Results: The results showed a discrepancy in the response between dental and non-dental students. For the first, second and third questions both groups showed statistically significant difference in the response. There was no statistically significant difference between dental and non dental groups for the overall response received with respect to fourth question though the reasons mentioned for not seeking orthodontic treatment showed wide variations. Long duration and pain/discomfort are the most common reasons for avoiding orthodontic treatment in dental and non-dental students respectively. Conclusion: There is a necessity to educate both the dental and non-dental students regarding recent advances in orthodontic treatment which decreases treatment duration and factors determining treatment duration and extent and amount of pain encountered during orthodontic treatment but the non-dental students should be more educated when compared to dental students.
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