Assessing obstacles to access and utilization of preventive dental health care in India

Abstract

Background: This study investigates dental healthcare service utilization patterns among 20-60 years old
residing in several regions of northern, eastern, and central India and the hurdles faced by the population
toward preventive dental services. Objective: To identify obstacles to preventive dental health care and its
utilization in India and to help people understand oral health affects overall health. Methodology: The
sample size was 456. A questionnaire was filled out through offline and online modes. Demographic data, oral
hygiene habits, perceptions, preferences, and obstacles were noted. Data were statistically analyzed using chisquare

tests to identify patterns of behavior. Result: The most important concern noted was 30% required
faster dental treatment, 27% for pain management, 19% for the cost of treatment, 15% for the proximity of the
clinic, and 9% for the ambiance of the dental clinic. The cause of hesitation in dental treatment was the high
cost of treatment and the cause of hesitation after reaching the dental clinic were fear of pain, fear of injection,
and drilling noise. Conclusion: This study concludes that two-thirds of the population agree that dental
health influences overall health. The majority of them think oral health issues may be avoided. They disagree
with the need for immediate dental care. The high cost of treatment was a deterrent to visiting the dentist, and
fear of pain prevented further follow-up visits.