The use of occlusal indices: a European perspective

Although occlusal indices are used in connection with public health orthodontic programs in some states, their adoption in everyday practice in the United States is extremely limited. On the other hand, indices are used extensively in Northern Europe, especially in determining access to public health orthodontics or the level of third party copayment. This article describes the development and validation of two new indices, IOTN (an index of treatment need) and PAR (an index of treatment outcome). Their application in a series of studies has led us to conclude that occlusal indices have a role in resource allocation and planning, promoting treatment standards, identifying prospective patients, and informed consent.