Malocclusion, along with dental caries, periodontal diseases, and gingival disorders, is one of the most common dental conditions. It affects a significant portion of the Indian population, ranging from 20% to 43% [7] . Orthodontic therapy aims to correct dental malocclusion, which plays a crucial role in enhancing facial attractiveness. Aesthetic improvement and psychological factors are important considerations when deciding on orthodontic treatment [7] . Research has shown that youngsters often seek orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons, primarily due to tooth crowding and severe overbite. Dental appearance dissatisfaction, resulting from factors such as misaligned or missing teeth, can lead to negative psychosocial impacts in children and teenagers, including being mocked by classmates [8] . Parents also choose orthodontic treatment for their children to enhance their attractiveness and avoid being perceived as neglecting their parenting responsibilities [8] . Orthodontic treatment offers several benefits, including tissue damage prevention, improved physical function, and enhanced aesthetics. It also leads to improved quality of life, increased self-confidence, and positive psychological and social changes [3] . However, for patients to embrace orthodontic treatments, they must first understand their oral health conditions and the relevance of orthodontic treatment in improving their overall oral health [9] .

The perceptions of patients towards orthodontic treatments are influenced by the information they receive from dental practitioners. Dental students, who have a high likelihood of becoming orthodontists, play a crucial role in disseminating oral health practices to patients [10] . To improve awareness and understanding of oral hygiene practices, it is recommended to incorporate oral health programs involving health science students, healthcare professionals, and orthodontists [10] . Auxiliary healthcare professionals, including students and nurses, play an important role in preventive information and health promotion. Therefore, they should possess adequate knowledge of oral health and align their oral health behaviour with experts [11] . To ensure the effective dissemination of information and contribute to community development, it is essential to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards orthodontic treatment among dental practitioners and non-orthodontic specialists [3] . Furthermore, incorporating clinically oriented training in orthodontic treatment during undergraduate and graduate dental programs can enhance the knowledge and understanding of prospective dentists [3] .

This study aims to assess the knowledge of preclinical dental students at KNUST regarding orthodontic treatments, contributing to a better understanding of the awareness and attitudes toward orthodontic treatment among dental practitioners and students.

Orthodontic treatment is often sought for cosmetic reasons, as the desire for an improved dental appearance and enhanced facial attractiveness influences the decision to undergo orthodontic therapy. Malocclusion, defined as misaligned arches or abnormalities in tooth position, is one of the most common dental ailments, affecting a significant portion of the population. In India, the prevalence of malocclusion ranges from 20% to 43% [7] . The motivations behind seeking orthodontic treatment vary among individuals. Research has shown that children and teenagers primarily seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, such as tooth crowding and a severe overbite, which can impact their self-esteem and social interactions. They desire to improve their dental appearance and avoid being teased by peers [8] . Parents also play a role in deciding to pursue orthodontic treatment for their children, as they want them to appear attractive and fulfill their parenting responsibilities [8] .

Orthodontic therapy offers several benefits beyond aesthetics. It can prevent tissue damage, improve physical function, and enhance quality of life. Patients experience increased self-confidence and see improvements in their physical, psychological, and social well-being [3] . However, before undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is crucial for patients to understand their oral health conditions and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent dental issues like tooth decay and periodontal diseases [9] . The perceptions of patients towards orthodontic treatment are shaped by the information they receive from dental practitioners. Dental students, who often become future orthodontists, play a significant role in disseminating oral health practices to the public. However, studies have revealed misconceptions and gaps in oral hygiene knowledge among health science students, highlighting the need for comprehensive education programs involving oral health professionals and orthodontists [10] .

A study conducted among dental students found that most of them were aware of their dental aesthetics, and a high percentage expressed dissatisfaction with their dental appearance. This dissatisfaction correlated with a positive attitude towards orthodontic treatment [12] . Similarly, Choi et al. research conducted among adolescents in Brazil showed that dissatisfaction with oral appearance, chewing difficulties, and malocclusion severity were factors influencing their desire for orthodontic treatment [6] .

Adults seeking orthodontic treatment are motivated by various factors, including the desire to straighten their teeth, improve their smile, correct occlusion deviations, and achieve facial attractiveness. Their psychological characteristics, such as self-esteem and body image, are comparable to the general population [13] . However, managing the expectations of adult patients can be challenging, and it is crucial to address their concerns and educate them about the limitations and realistic outcomes of treatment [14] . Patient satisfaction and adherence to orthodontic treatment are influenced by psychological factors, such as the patient’s perception of treatment benefits, discomfort during treatment, treatment duration, and cost. Pain, discomfort, and the inconvenience of regular orthodontist visits were among the reasons some patients refused orthodontic treatment (Khan et al., 2017). The patient-orthodontist relationship, effective communication, and understanding of treatment goals contribute to patient motivation and collaboration [15] .

This is a quantitative descriptive study. Opuke et al. define quantitative research as the process of quantifying and analyzing variables to get findings [16] . It entails the use and analysis of numerical data using certain statistical procedures to answer questions such as who, how much, what, where, when, how many, and how.

As a result, quantitative research collects data for information to be quantified and subjected to statistical scrutiny/analysis in order to accept or reject a hypothesis. According to Williams, quantitative research begins with the formulation of a problem, the development of a hypothesis or research question, the evaluation of related literature, and the quantitative analysis of data to reach a conclusion [17] .

The sample for this study was selected using a non-random convenience sampling approach. Nonprobability sampling methods are used when randomization is not feasible, and subjective criteria are used to determine sample inclusion. Convenience sampling is a type of nonprobability sampling where individuals from the target population who meet certain practical criteria, such as easy accessibility or availability, are included in the study [18] .

Kwame Nkrumah Science and Technology University (KNUST) was the setting for this research located in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, it is the largest institution that the region can be proud of. The school was founded in 1952. The institution’s current population is estimated to be 85,000. However, pre-clinical dental students at the KNUST School of Medicine and Dentistry were selected for the purpose of this study.

All pre-clinical dentistry students at KNUST were included in the research. This includes all students in their first through third years of dental school.

The Cochran Formula was used to determine an appropriate sample size. The Cochran formula creates an appropriate sample size given a desired degree of precision, a desired level of confidence, and the predicted proportion of the characteristic in the population. Cochran’s formula is thought to be especially useful in circumstances involving huge populations.

Using a confidence level of 95%, a 5% margin of error and a standard deviation of 0.5 and using Cochran Formula for Sample Size Calculation in Smaller Populations:

n = n 0 1 + n 0 − 1 N

were,

n = sample size from a population with known size.

n 0 = Cochran’s sample size recommendation = 385 N = population size = 160.

n = 385 1 + 385 − 1 160 = 113

n ≈ 113. Therefore, a sample size of 113 was to be used for this study.

The information obtained was divided into two categories: primary data and secondary data. Primary data is information gathered for the first time and is one-of-a-kind. Secondary data, on the other hand, refers to previously obtained and processed information.

A questionnaire administered by the investigator was used to collect data. The structured questionnaire was used since it helped the researcher collect important information for the study. The researcher handed out the questionnaire to responders. To avoid duplication, those who received the questionnaire were excluded from the sample frame.

The data was then inputted, cleaned, or processed, and analysed using Excel and SPSS 25.0. The findings were then presented using tables. To reduce entry mistakes, the data entry sheet was constructed and designed with the appropriate variable definitions and codes. The data was then thoroughly verified to detect any incorrect entries and to fill any gaps.

The committee on Human Research, Publications, and Ethics of KNUST and the School of Medicine and Dentistry provided ethical permission. Participants were asked for their permission, and all information received was kept secret.

The study’s inclusion criteria were individuals who were pre-clinical dentistry students at KNUST and granted their agreement to participate.

With the exclusion criteria, all clinical students were exempted, students who did not consent to the study and students who do not attend KNUST.

Figure 1 is the graphical representation showing the proportion of visits of respondents to an orthodontist. 68% of the sample population had never visited an orthodontist before, and 32% on the other hand had never had the opportunity to visit an orthodontist.

Figure 2 shows the distribution of responses to continuing treatment regardless of treatment discomforts. 63% of the respondents did not mind the discomforts that came with treatment if the misaligned teeth were corrected, 19% said they would not continue treatment with such discomforts while 18% were not quite certain if they would continue or stop treatment if they were to experience such discomfort.

Figure 3 distributes the responses on whether pre-clinical dental students would be comfortable with extended treatment periods. 75% of the sample size had no issues with treatment if treatment duration lasted for 1 to 2 years, 14%

would not continue treatment at all and 11% could not decide if they would continue or not.

Figure 4 shows the percentage proportion of students who are ok with having their teeth extracted or removed in the course treatment if need be. 67% of the respondents had no objections if they were to lose some teeth during treatment, 23% said they would mind and would be uncomfortable if they were to lose teeth in the course of treatment and 10% were indecisive if they would mind or not.

Figure 5 shows a graphical representation of responses of the students on their willingness to undergo orthodontic treatments if they were to be suggested by a parent or dentist. 90% would readily agree to orthodontic treatment if a dentist or parent suggested it, 2% would decline and 8% were indecisive.