The general dental status of patients referred to the orthodontic department of the Glasgow Dental Hospital.

A survey of 280 orthodontic referrals to the Glasgow Dental Hospital, consecutively screened for orthodontic needs, revealed that 1 in 5 had untreated caries and more than half had a level of oral hygiene incompatible with wearing an orthodontic appliance. The suitability and motivation of such patients, therefore, must be questioned before prescribing orthodontic treatment.