# Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Twin Block Functional Therapy for Angle’s Class II Malocclusion Among Postgraduate Students of Pediatric Dentistry in India: A Cross-Sectional Survey

## TL;DR

This study assesses Indian dental students' knowledge and use of Twin Block therapy for treating Class II malocclusion, finding gaps between theory and practice.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the knowledge and practice gaps of Twin Block therapy among Indian pediatric dentistry postgraduates.

## Key findings

- Only 11.8% of respondents had adequate knowledge of Twin Block therapy.
- 78.5% of participants had positive attitudes toward the therapy.
- Most participants reported challenges with patient compliance and preferred part-time use of the appliance.

## Abstract

Context: Functional appliances such as Twin Block (TB) play a key role in managing Class II malocclusion during growth. However, limited data exist on pediatric dentists’ knowledge and clinical use of this therapy in India.

Aims: This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Indian postgraduate students in pediatric dentistry regarding Twin Block functional therapy (TBFT) for treating Class II malocclusion.

Settings and design: This was a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study conducted among postgraduate students across India in March 2023.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire developed through standard methods. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practical experiences related to Twin Block therapy.

Statistical analysis: A total of 135 postgraduate students from various dental institutions across India participated. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and assessment of questionnaire reliability using Cohen’s kappa during pilot testing.

Results: The study revealed that knowledge of Twin Block therapy varied significantly with academic year, with second- and third-year students demonstrating increasingly better understanding. Only 11.8% (16 individuals) of respondents had adequate knowledge, while 62.2% (84 individuals) had average knowledge. Positive attitudes toward the therapy were noted among 78.5% (106 individuals) of participants, but only 47.4% (64 individuals) had treated Class II malocclusion cases. Challenges in patient compliance were reported by 88.2% (57 individuals) of respondents. A preference for part-time wear during meals was observed, differing from the recommended full-time use.

Conclusions: The findings highlight a gap between knowledge and practical application of Twin Block therapy among Indian pediatric dentistry postgraduates. There is a need for a more structured curriculum and increased clinical exposure to enhance competency in using functional appliances.