The planning, contracting and monitoring of orthodontic services, and the use of the IOTN index: A survey of consultants in dental public health in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Objectives: To establish which factors are used in planning, contracting and monitoring orthodontic services in the United Kingdom. In addition, the study investigated the value of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) as an instrument for planning orthodontic provision. Methods: A structured questionnaire was sent to all consultants in dental public health in the United Kingdom. Results: Over 80% of the respondents used the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) as an instrument for planning, contracting and monitoring orthodontic services. Seventy per cent of these consultants regarded the IOTN index as a useful or very useful instrument. The main strength reported was that the IOTN index allows prioritisation (25.0%). The main weakness reported was that the index does not assess complexity (70.5%). Conclusions: Consultants in dental public health perceived the IOTN as a useful tool for planning orthodontic provision despite some shortcomings. © British Dental Journal 2003.