ISSN: 13412051 Volume 25, Issue 01, January, 2020 347 Occlusal Features of Deciduous Dentition in an Iraqi Sample Suha Ali Abdul Ameer 1 , Nadia Basim Al-Ansari 2 , Mohammed Nahidh 3 Assistant Lecturer, Department of POP, Al-Rafidain University College, Baghdad, Iraq 1 Lecturer, Department of POP, Al-Rafidain University College, Baghdad, Iraq 2 Assistant Lecturer, Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, Iraq 3 Abstract— To determine the occlusal characteristics of deciduous dentition in a sample of Iraqi preschool children from Baghdad city. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 313 children aged 3–5 years, enrolled in public and private kindergartens in Baghdad city. Parents and school prime approval was attained for children's participation. The clinical examination was performed under natural daylight by well-trained previously calibrated orthodontist to record the characteristics of the primary dentition. Data analysis was performed using Pearson's Chi-square test and the findings showed high prevalence of normal occlusion with no statistical gender and age difference. Keywords— Dental occlusion, Primary dentition, Iraqi children. 1. Introduction One of the major challenging tasks faced the dentist that treats children is differentiating normal from abnormal occlusion in primary dentition and properly assessing and managing the developing dental occlusion of those children. [1] Primary-dentition occlusion is considered as a significant contributor for the development of permanent dentition. Ethnic differences among different populations are one of the contributing factors affecting the occlusion in primary dentition and can influence the development of permanent dentition too. [2-7] The kind of occlusion present in primary dentition can predict that of the permanent dentition. To a large extent, the distinctive set of characteristics in primary dentition will establish the base for appropriate eruption and alignment of the ensuing dentition. [8] Foster and Hamilton accounted wide varieties of occlusive conditions in the primary dentition that should be considered in epidemiological surveys. [9] Pediatric dentist must be aware of the morphological variations of primary dentition as these variations may create significant clinical problems such as dental decay and delayed exfoliation and anomalies in permanent dentition such as supernumerary teeth, impaction, double teeth, and/or aplasia of teeth. [10] Assessment of developing occlusion in the primary dentition is so far important both in pediatric and orthodontic dentistry and is imperative to ensure the development of normal occlusion in the permanent dentition that is important in many oral functions including mastication, swallowing, speech, and respiration. [11] Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the occlusal characteristics of the primary dentition of a sample of children aged 3–5 years in Baghdad, Iraq.