Objective: To audit the amount and complexity of case load and the waiting time for orthodontic treatment in Orthodontic Department of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
Materials and Methods: This study involved three waiting list records in Orthodontic department, UKM and 484 patients’ record were selected using Random Sampling technique. Demographic data of the patients were noted. Data on date of patient’s visit to ‘Klinik Rawatan Utama’ (KRU), Screening clinic and first orthodontic treatment (removable/fixed) clinics were also recorded. The severity of referred cases were graded using complexity scale (Russle et al, 1999).
Results: Patients were mostly female (76%) with age ranging from 10 to 52 years old. 75% of the referred cases were complex cases. From the year 2002-2007, 35% were referred for removable and 65% were referred for fixed clinic. In average, orthodontic screening waiting time was 6.9 ± 2.5 month. Patient would received removable and fixed appliance treatment after 4.4 ± 1.0 months and 14.5 ± 9.8 months respectively.
Conclusions: Most patients were referred to fixed waiting list. The waiting time from 2002 until 2007 for orthodontic treatment in UKM was longest for fixed followed by screening. The shortest waiting time was for the removable treatment.
Study site: Orthodontic Department of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)