Reasons for First Dental Visit in Pre-teen Children in Qazvin, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Early dental visits in childhood, in addition to preventing dental problems, can also be effective in promoting the quality of life. The age of the first visit and the reasons for it vary in different countries depending on the level of education in the community, economic conditions, availability of health facilities and pattern of health services in the country. This study was conducted to understand the reasons for Iranian parents’ attitude to dental visits and its relationship with social and economic indicators. Method: The checklist was used to record the data. It consisted of 18 questions based on the reason for dental visit. Then the reasons were categorized as pain, trauma, tooth discolouration, teacher’s recommendation and referral from other dental centres, using insurance coverage, bad dental habits and periodic care. Finally, the doctor’s diagnosis was recorded. Statistical methods included Pearson correlation, t‑test, ANOVA, and data description was used at the level of 0.05 (P value = 0.05). Result: Pain was the most common reason for the first dental visit (49.7%) followed by discolouration and detecting and carried assessment. Occupation level of education and having an insurance package had a significant relationship with the reason for dental visits in parents. Conclusion: The level of education and job having supplementary insurance were related to the reason for dental visits. Pain is the most common reason, and it shows that the importance of regular dental visits is not well known by parents. The reason for dental visits is under the control of socioeconomical factors.