Orthodontic treatment standards in Greece.

AIM: To assess the orthodontic treatment service provided by 5 orthodontists in Greece. DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: One hundred cases were randomly selected from the model stores of 5 practices in the Athens area. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURED: The Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) was used to assess the need, complexity of the problem, outcome, the degree of improvement and whether the completed case was acceptable or not. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: The reliability of the examiner using the ICON was assessed using Root Mean Square. Logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the variables related to acceptability of the finish. RESULTS: 94 of cases were considered as needing orthodontic treatment. 61 cases were classified as difficult or very difficult. 23 cases were substantially improved. However, 47 were worse or minimally improved. 88 finishes were considered acceptable. CONCLUSION: An objective appraisal of the quality of orthodontic care provided in 5 practices in Athens has been undertaken. The quality of care is very good. The Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need appears to be a valuable tool to assess the multiple facets of orthodontic provision.