Dental care demands and treatment needs among patients attending a rural private dental clinic in Northeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Meeting dental care demands in poor-resource area is a challenge, both regarding personnel and facilities, patients in rural area travel long distances to access few available clinics where sometimes treatment options are limited. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of presentation and demand for oral health services among patients attending a private dental clinic in Gombe, North East Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients seen in the company clinic (Ashaka cement) over a 3-month period (August-October 2014) was done, information extracted from case notes were age, sex, primary diagnosis and treatment. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 Summary statistics (percentage and frequency) were performed. Relationship between variables was checked with Chi-square test. Results: A total of 122 patients were seen, 65 males (53.3%) and 57 females (46.7%) with a sex ratio of 1:0.9, total mean age was 15.7 years (range 3–59 years). 41–50 years was the majority group and 51–60 years was the age group in the minority. The most common diagnoses were dental caries, chronic gingivitis and chronic periodontitis while treatment commonly received were extraction, scaling and polishing and treatment filling. Conclusion: Dental care demand of patients in this study was as a result of dental caries, chronic gingivitis and chronic periodontitis and treatment done were mainly extractions, scaling and polishing. Access to dental care in rural setting can be improved if government open more dental clinics in these areas and make personnel available.