Abstract
BACKGROUND: Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and bites to improve function and aesthetics. However, improper management can lead to damage of hard and soft dental tissues. This study aimed to assess and compare the awareness of orthodontic benefits and complications among medical and nonmedical students at the University of Science and Technology (UST). METHODS: Utilizing an analytical cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 280 medical and 294 nonmedical students (mean age: 19 years; age range: 16-26 years; 52% female) through interviews using a validated questionnaire assessing overall awareness (11 questions), benefits awareness (9 questions), and complications awareness (13 questions). Participants were selected using a two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test for group comparisons of overall orthodontic awareness, and the Mann-Whitney test for comparing awareness scores of benefits and complications due to non-normal data distribution. RESULTS: Overall, orthodontic awareness was moderate in both groups and significantly higher among medical students compared to nonmedical students (70.4% vs. 58.2%). There was no significant difference regarding the score of the overall awareness of orthodontic benefits (4.5 ± 2.3 vs. 4.2 ± 2.5; p = 0.131), but the score of overall awareness of complications was significantly higher among medical students (5.6 ± 3.1 vs. 4.6 ± 3.3; p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Overall orthodontic awareness was higher among medical students. While both groups showed similar awareness of treatment benefits, medical students were more aware of potential complications. Enhancing awareness among nonmedical students may support early diagnosis, reduce untreated cases, and improve oral health outcomes. Integrating basic orthodontic education into general health programs could help bridge this gap.