Perception of Dental Health Care Use Services in Relation to Oral Health Care Seeking Behavior among Patients Visiting Selective Health Care Center in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Bangladesh, one of the world’s most densely populated countries, faces major challenges in oral health service delivery. With approximately 2,000 dentists graduating annually, only a small proportion provide care in rural communities. Limited evidence exists on oral health seeking behavior and utilization patterns within primary care settings in low resource countries. Objectives: This study aimed to assess oral health seeking behavior, patient profiles, and patterns of dental material use among individuals attending community health camps in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional, multi site observational study was conducted at health camps organized by the Department of Dental Public Health, City Dental College and City General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2020 to December 2020. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board. A total of 139 participants (majority aged 25–30 years; 63.3% female) were enrolled to examine oral health complaints and associated treatment behaviors. Results: Dental pain from untreated caries was the most frequent complaint, affecting 25.0% of female and 19.5% of male participants. Other common conditions included gingival problems and tooth loss (15.3%), dentinal hypersensitivity (18.0%), and food impaction (8.3%). Cost was the primary determinant driving care seeking (53.3%), followed by convenient service hours (30.7%) and proximity to home (22.7%). A majority of respondents reported that available dental services did not meet their needs. Conclusions: Findings reveal significant gaps in access to and utilization of oral healthcare in Bangladesh, particularly among young adults and women. Strengthening primary dental services, expanding rural practice, and improving affordability are critical to enhance service uptake and oral health outcomes.