Background: Javanese and Malay tribes have some differences from the physical characteristics, environtment, dietary habit and etc, which can affect the appearance of malocclusion. Research purpose: This study aims to determine the level severity of malocclusion and the level of orthodontic treatment needs in the Javanese and Malay tribes. Research method: The type of research conducted is an observational analytic with cross sectional design. This type of data is qualitative. This study consists of two groups, namely the Javanese tribe are 62 subjects and the Malay tribe are 62 subjects. Measurement were performed using the malalignment index which measures rotation and displacement tooth on each tooth element use a special ruler, with scoring 0, 1 and 2 depending on how large the rotation and displacement of the teeth. The measurement results are added, then categorized according to malalignment index categories. Research results: The highest malalignment index is found in the category of mild malocclusion and requires orthodontic treatment (41,30%). The mann-whitney test results obtained value P = 0,000 (P<0,05) shows a significant difference of malalignment index between the Javanese and the Malay tribe. Means value shows the malalignment index of Malay tribes higher than Javanese tribes. Conclusion: Based on the research, it can be concluded that there are differences in the severity of malocclusion and the level of orthodontic treatment needs in the Javanese and Malay tribes, where is Malay tribes is higher than Javanese tribes.