Intention to seek esthetic dental treatment and the theory of planned behavior in Saudi dental students and the general population

Abstract

Statement of problemTooth shade is of major concern for patients when receiving esthetic dental treatment. Understanding the motivating factors that drive patients' intentions to seek esthetic dental treatment helps in planning services. PurposeThe purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between the intention to seek esthetic dental treatment and the theory of planned behavior (TPB), including attitude regarding tooth shade, perceived ability to seek treatment, and subjective norms of how others perceive tooth shade. Material and methodsThe study included first-year dental students and clinic patients in a Saudi dental school (N=283). The shade of the maxillary central incisors was clinically assessed by using the Crystaleye spectrophotometer, and the L*, a*, and b* values were recorded. Participants were asked to select a shade that represented how others perceived their shades by using the VITA classical shade guide and to respond to a self-administered questionnaire based on a TPB assessing attitude regarding shade (9 items), perceived ability to seek esthetic treatment (7 items) on a 5-point Likert scale, and intention to seek esthetic treatment. The internal consistency of the TPB items was assessed, and scores were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with the intention to seek esthetic treatment, including the TPB components controlled for L*, a*, and b* values in addition to age (α=.05). ResultsOf all participants, 49.5% indicated that they intended to seek esthetic treatment. The most commonly perceived shades were B1, B2, A2, A1, and A3 (76%). In adjusted regression, the intention to seek esthetic treatment was significantly associated with a more positive attitude regarding shade (OR=2.31, 95% CI=1.54, 3.47) and a lower b* value (OR=0.74, 95% CI=0.59, 0.93), but not with shade coordinates (P values of L*=.94, a*=.64, and b*=.13). ConclusionsIntention to seek esthetic dental treatment was associated with a positive attitude regarding the importance of shade and a greater perception of having a less yellow shade, regardless of the shade.