Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Orthodontists and Orthodontic Residents Regarding the Management of Impacted Maxillary Canine Teeth

Aim: This research aimed to assess the understanding, attitudes, and clinical practices of orthodontists and orthodontic residents in managing impacted maxillary canine teeth. Methods: Conducted in 2023, this cross-sectional study surveyed orthodontists and residents from nine provinces in Iran. A custom-designed questionnaire evaluated their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the treatment of impacted upper canines. Data analysis involved multiple backward linear regression and Pearson's correlation tests. Results: A total of 96 participants—72 orthodontists and 24 residents—completed the questionnaire. The average knowledge score was 6.41 ± 1.94, and the mean attitude score was 15.9 ± 2.7. A significant positive correlation existed between knowledge and attitude scores (P = 0.001). Participants who saw more patients weekly had higher knowledge scores (P = 0.002), while those with more clinical experience had lower knowledge scores (P = 0.002). Attendance in additional periodontology or oral surgery courses significantly influenced attitudes (P = 0.001). Faculty members preferred apically positioned flaps for labially impacted canines, whereas other participants favored closed exposure techniques (P = 0.025). Clinicians with a higher patient load (P = 0.02) and more experience (P = 0.00) were more inclined to extract the lateral incisor and replace it with the impacted canine. Conclusion: Iranian orthodontists and residents demonstrated above-average knowledge and positive attitudes toward managing impacted maxillary canines. Certain clinical preferences were significantly associated with their knowledge levels.