EC Dental Science

Background: Studying the pattern of and barriers to dental services utilization will greatly help in oral health decision-making and improve oral health.

Objective: To determine the pattern and barriers of dental services utilization among 6- to 12-year-old school children in Al-Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Subjects and Methods: A total of 500 primary school children participated in this cross-sectional study using an interview-style self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected and statistically analyzed using a Chi-square test.

Results: A high percent (85.4%) of participants had previously visited a dental clinic. About 29.2% of children perceived that visits should occur when there is a dental problem. Nearly 63% were afraid of going to the dentist, and 34% received information about oral health from the schools. The utilization of dental services increased with age. Three-quarters of participants advocated for private dental clinics. Teeth fillings and extractions were the most common dental procedures. Lack of perceived need (44%), fear of pain (17%), and cost (12%) were the most common barriers to the utilization of dental services.

Conclusion: The utilization of dental services among the present school children was high and mainly symptomatic. The major barrier was a lack of perceived need.

 Keywords: Dental Services Utilization; Barriers; Primary School Children; Dental Visit; Oral Health

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