Methodology of the Sixth German Oral Health Study (DMS 6) to survey tooth and jaw misalignment

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was (1) to complete and update the oral-epidemiological data situation in Germany (descriptive epidemiology) and (2) to determine the need for orthodontic treatment provision based on the epidemiological data situation (health care epidemiology in the form of demand research). Methods For this purpose, a longitudinal oral-epidemiological study and social science survey with a primary focus on tooth and jaw misalignment was conducted at a nationally representative level on 705 8‑ and 9‑year-old children across Germany. Results The methodological principles of the oral-epidemiological study are described, with a focus on the calibration and reliability assessment results from the study dentists, sample weighting, a survey of nonrespondents to estimate the extent of the external validity of the study results, a description of the study participants, and realized cases, as well as information pertaining to the response rate and utilization. Conclusion Based on the conducted analyses, it can be assumed that the examined 8‑ and 9‑year-old study participants are representative of the statistical population in Germany.