MULTIDISCIPLINARY HYPODONTIA CLINIC OUTCOMES: A RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF TREATMENT COMPLEXITY, RESOURCE UTILIZATION, AND PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES

Background: Hypodontia, the congenital absence of one or more teeth, is one of the most common developmental dental anomalies, affecting 5–10% of the population. Management of this condition is complex and multidisciplinary, involving orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery and pediatric dentistry. However, the structure and outcomes of multidisciplinary hypodontia clinics are poorly defined, especially when considering the Middle Eastern health care. Recognizing the complexities of treatment, the use of resources, and the outcomes reported by patients is essential for improving the quality of patient care and the delivery of services.
Objective: To assess the complexity of treatment, utilization of resources, and patient reported outcomes in patients treated in a multidisciplinary hypodontia clinic at Al-Karak Comprehensive Health Center, Jordanian Ministry of Health.
Methods: A retrospective evaluation of patients with hypodontia treated in the multidisciplinary hypodontia clinic in Al-Karak Comprehensive Health Center between January 2025 and April 2026 was performed. Electronic and paper dental records provided data on demographics, number and site of missing teeth, associated dental anomalies, treatment modalities, number of clinical visits, treatment duration, treatment complexity (mild: 1–2 missing teeth; moderate: 3–5 missing teeth; severe: ≥6 missing teeth), and utilization of resources. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using a validated satisfaction questionnaire and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) where available.
Results: Among 148 patients (mean age 14.8 ± 4.6 years, 56.1% female), hypodontia was classified as mild in 62.2% (n=92), moderate in 27.0% (n=40), and severe in 10.8% (n=16). The most common missing teeth were mandibular second premolars (34.5%), maxillary lateral incisors (28.4%), and maxillary second premolars (21.6%). Associated anomalies were microdontia (22.3%), ectopic eruption (16.9%) and taurodontism (8.1%). The treatment modalities included orthodontic space closure (38.5%), prosthetic replacement (34.5%), implant-supported restorations (12.2%) and combined approaches (14.9%). Mean treatment duration was 28.4 ± 12.6 months, with a mean of 32.6 ± 14.2 clinical visits. Treatment complexity was significantly associated with number of visits (mild: 24.2 ± 8.6; moderate: 36.8 ± 12.4; severe: 52.4 ± 18.6; p<0.001) and treatment duration (mild: 21.6 ± 8.2 months; moderate: 32.4 ± 10.8 months; severe: 46.8 ± 14.2 months; p<0.001). Multidisciplinary referrals were required in 68.2% of cases. Patient satisfaction was high, with 82.4% reporting being “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the outcomes of their treatment. OHIP-14 scores improved significantly from baseline to post-treatment (mean change 8.6±4.2 points, p<0.001). Higher treatment complexity was associated with lower satisfaction scores (p=0.028) and greater functional limitations (p=0.014).
Conclusion: Complex cases of hypodontia are associated with substantial treatment burden and utilization of resources, but multidisciplinary management at Al-Karak Comprehensive Health Center is associated with high patient satisfaction and significant improvements in oral health related quality of life. The number of visits and the duration of treatment are greatly influenced by the complexity of treatment. The results support the ongoing delivery of coordinated multidisciplinary care for patients with hypodontia and emphasize the need for appropriate resource investment and patient-centred approaches in this population.