RESUMO
CONTEXT: Preventive orthodontic treatments are performed in the primary or mixed dentition period and provide a proper development of occlusion to avoid dentofacial anomalies. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the Baby-Risk of Malocclusion Assessment Index (ROMA) index regarding ease of use, reproducibility, and the epidemiological assessment of major orthodontic problems in children aged 4-6-year-old in Kerman (Iran) kindergartens. SETTING AND DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1000 children aged 4-6 in Kerman (Iran) kindergartens, selected by cluster sampling, and data were collected using the Baby-ROMA index. METHODS: After recording a demographic data collection form, the clinical examination of the teeth was carried out by a dental student. The data were analyzed with SPSS 18 using t-test, analysis of variance, Chi-squared test, and Mann-Whitney test at a significance level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: In this study, the most common cause of malocclusion was dental caries (7.5%), followed by crossbite (6.1%). Furthermore, 31.6% of the subjects had one type of malocclusion, and 20.5% needed monitoring the occlusion before the growth spurt, while 11.1% needed immediate orthodontic treatment (mostly 6-year-old children). Moreover, 15.3% of the subjects had systemic problems; 3.4% had craniofacial, 22% had dental, and 2% had functional problems. The prevalence of class I canine relationship in the right canines was 82.32%, with 82.5% on the left side. The prevalence of open bite was higher in females with thumb-sucking habit. CONCLUSION: The Baby-ROMA index presented good reliability and ease of use for evaluating early orthodontic treatment needs in primary and mixed dentition periods.