Clinical Competence in Orthodontic Diagnosis among Final-Year Dental Students: An Evaluative Study

This research investigates the ability of final-year dental students at Al-Iraqia University to accurately diagnose and refer patients with different degrees of malocclusion using a structured questionnaire. The survey included photographs and radiographs of five treated cases sourced from two textbooks. A total of 165 students were asked to evaluate each case, determine whether orthodontic or surgical intervention was indicated, and identify contributing factors to an unesthetic facial profile, such as dental irregularities. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution and Chi-square tests. Overall, students displayed a solid level of clinical competence. Unesthetic profiles and irregular teeth were the predominant reasons for recommending surgical intervention in both Class II and III cases, with mandibular retrusion emerging as the most frequently cited factor affecting aesthetics. Maxillary protrusion was less commonly recognized as a significant concern in Class II malocclusion. The study indicates that final-year students possess a strong ability to accurately identify treatment requirements across a range of malocclusion scenarios.