Aim: To determine the prevalence of malocclusion in children and students enrolled in public schools and in the Araguaia Family Health Strategy in the municipality of Guarantã do Norte, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with randomly selected children and adolescents from 6 to 16 years. The students were examined at the selected institutions under natural light by a trained examiner. The sample size was calculated using a 95% confidence interval and data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using absolute and relative frequencies.
Results: A total of 400 children and adolescents were selected, 176 (44%) males and 224 females (56%). At facial analysis, the most prevalent facial patterns were mesofacial (43%), dolichofacial (41%), and brachyfacial (16%). In facial profile, 48% were convex, 39% straight, and 13% concave. The occlusal relationship found was 44% class I, 36% class II, and 20% class III; 62% vertical malocclusions, 54% horizontal and 66% harmful habits (bucconasal breathing, finger sucking, and pacifier sucking) were also found.
Conclusion: The prevalence of malocclusion was high; over 50% had some type of occlusal changes.
Clinical significance: Cross-sectional studies have their importance, as they show the disease situation in different places, subsiding decision-making for prevention and treatment strategies, adapting to the regional financial reality in an attempt to reduce health inequalities among the various social and economic strata of the population.