Orthodontic treatment provided by pediatric dentists.

The purposes of this study were to document orthodontic treatment currently provided by pediatric dentists for comparison with past and future studies and to ascertain variables that influence practitioners' orthodontic treatment patterns. A 25-item survey was mailed to 492 diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Surveys returned within 16 weeks were included for statistical analysis. The response rate was 73%. Most practitioners spent less than 10% of their practice time providing orthodontic treatment and reported that this would not change in the future. Practitioners who were dual trained in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics spent more time providing orthodontic treatment, although nearly half spent at least 50% of their time providing traditional pediatric dental treatment. Most pediatric dentists provided orthodontic treatment in the primary or early mixed dentition stages. The most common conditions treated were anterior crossbite, ectopic eruption, habits, posterior crossbite, and space maintenance. The most common orthodontic appliances used were fixed rapid palatal expanders and removable Hawley appliances with finger springs. Orthodontic treatment provided by pediatric dentists has decreased since it was last surveyed in 1983 and is not expected to change in the next 5 years.