Attitudes and perceptions of orthodontists and residents -in- training to n the need tor orthognathic surgery in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The use of orthognathic surgery (OS) protocol in the correction of severe skeletal malocclusions is still not widely practiced especially in the developing world despite its obvious benefits. In order to assess its acceptance and utilization in our environment, it is necessary to understand orthodontic practitioners' current attitudes and perceptions toward this emerging treatment option. This survey was therefore aimed to provide an insight into orthodontists' attitudes and perceptions to this treatment modality in Nigeria. Methodology: Thirty- six practicing Nigerian Orthodontists were included in this cross-sectional study. An 18-itcm self-administered open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data on their attitudes and perceptions of orthognathic surgery. Descriptive statistics were computed and analyzed as appropriate. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 41.3 years (range 29-68 years) with a female to male ratio of 2:1. Fifteen respondents (41.7%) were fellows of postgraduate Colleges (National postgraduate College of Nigeria/West African Postgraduate Medical College) while the remaining 21(58.3%) were resident doctors. Most of the respondents (88.9%) indicated that there was a need for OS m managing patients with dentofacial deformity while only 9(47.2%) of the respondents treat all cases of malocclusion with orthodontic method s alone irrespective of the aetiology. Majority believed that orthognathic surgical procedure is not easily accessible in Nigeria and they identified cost, fear and safety of surgery, lack of facilities and expertise as possible obstacles. Conclusion: Nigerian orthodontists and trainees seem to view OS as a useful treatment protocol that is capable of improving efficiency and quality of patient care.