Predictors of Dental Care Utilization in School Children in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Aim: To explore the factors influencing dental care utilization including sociodemographic characteristics, and oral health need in 9-12-year-old school children in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia (SA). Methods: A stratified random sample was applied to select 10 schools in Al Madinah, SA and a total of 1000 students aged 9-12 years were included in the study. Information on sociodemographic factors and dental care utilization were collectedusing and oral health related quality of life was recorded using the World Health Organization (WHO) questionnaire. A multiple logistic regression model was used to examine the factors associated with dental care utilization. Results: Almost a quarter of all participants (23.8%), have never received dental care before. Pain or trouble with teeth was the most common reason for visiting the dentist (49.4%), while only 11.8% visited the dentist for routine check-up. Thepercentages of both missing school, and difficulty in eating due to oral health problems, were significantly higher among those who received dental care. Children from low-income families had a reduced likelihood of receiving dental care relative to children from higher and middle-income families (OR=0.571, P=0.014). Children who have caries and who reported having toothache in the past 12 months were more likely to visit the dentist (OR=1.599, P=0.028) &(OR=2.188, P>0.001). Conclusion: Dental care utilization is primarily driven by symptomatic dental care. The prevalence of dental utilization was relatively high among children from high- and middle-income families, children who have caries and children who reported having toothache in the past 12 months.