Assessment of occlusal traits in children enrolled in the preventive and social dentistry clinic at the Federal University of Uberlândia: appropriate diagnosis, directing public health actions

The dental malocclusions associated with other dysfunctions which affect children in their growth and development phase can provoke organic repercussions. Children since early ages can present these dysfunctions. Educational, preventive and interceptive actions can 1-ebalance the stomatognathic system, taking advantage of the high physiologic bone capacity of remodeling at this phase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusions in children aged two to nine years. by means of a retrospective study, researching 161 record charts from children who attended the Clinical Program of the Preventive and Social Dental Area of the Federal University of Uberlândia to propagate a diagnostic protocol witlz criteria that already exists, which also gives simplified conduct and treatment plan to be used in Public Health Dental Programs and in graduation academic clinics. The study results showed that95% of children presented a kind of malocclusion, with 49.7% with atrophy 3rd degree. The study allowed to conclude that the use of diagnostic methods and preventive therapeutics less invasive are necessary, permitting an easier access of information by dental professionals, so children can grow and develop in occlusal, facial and organic balance.