The Level of Malocclusion Treatment Needs between Stunting and Nonstunting Children Based on Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need.

Aims and background: To identify the need for treatment of malocclusion in the mixed dentition among stunting and nonstunting children in Tajinan District, Malang using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Materials and methods: Children with mixed dentition (n = 60) were selected according to specific criteria. The study model involved assessment according to the IOTN, which consists of assessment of the esthetic component (EC) and also dental health component (DHC). The results of the assessment were then double-blind test and analyzed. Results: Among stunting children, 46.7% showed no need or little need for treatment, 43.3% had borderline treatment needs, and 10% had significant treatment needs based on DHC scores. Regarding EC scores in stunting children, 63.3% required no or little treatment, while 36.7% needed borderline treatment. Among nonstunting children, 73.3% had no or little treatment needs, 10% had borderline needs, and 16.7% had significant needs based on DHC scores. In terms of AC scores among nonstunting children, 70% required no or little treatment, 26.7% needed moderate treatment, and 3.3% needed significant treatment. Conclusion: This study shows that attractive anterior teeth do not always reflect overall good oral health conditions, emphasizing the importance of malocclusion treatment even when anterior teeth look good. Children with stunting may experience growth delays, but there is an opportunity to catch-up growth until the age of 2 years. Clinical significance: There is a significant difference in the level of malocclusion treatment need based on DHC scores, but there is no significant difference in AC scores. How to cite this article: Nelwan SC, Pradopo S, Nowwarote N, et al. The Level of Malocclusion Treatment Needs between Stunting and Nonstunting Children Based on Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(5):527-532.