Abstract
IntroductionOral health is part of general health and should not be considered in isolation, as it contributes to the individual's health related quality of life. The study aimed at assessing the pattern of attendance to the dental clinic using dental records of patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 6008 retrieved case notes from the dental clinic of Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu, from June, 2016 to May, 2017. Data on age, sex and occupation were retrieved from the dental records of the institution. Association between age, sex, occupation and patient flow to dental clinic was determined.ResultsMore females (55.7%) than males (44.3%) attended the dental clinic within the study period. Also, those aged 16 to 30 years (39.5%) and school pupils/students (40.8%) attended dental clinic the most when compared to other attendees. Patient flow was greatest in the first quarter of the year (27.1%), followed by the third quarter (26.1%). However, patient flow was least in the last quarter (20.9%). There was significant association between age (P < 0.001), occupation (P = 0.03) and patient flow to dental clinic in yearly quarters.ConclusionBeing an adolescent or young adult and being a student were significantly associated with patient flow to the dental clinic in yearly quarters in the study area. Patient flow was greatest in the first quarter and least in the last quarter of the year. There is need to increase dental awareness, especially for preventive visit among older age group and non-students in the populace.
Highlights
Oral health is part of general health and should not be considered in isolation, as it contributes to the individual's health related quality of life
The services rendered by the different levels of dental care centres vary and this may influence the pattern of attendance to the centres
This study identified the pattern of attendance to the dental clinic of Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy which is a secondary dental care institution
Summary
Oral health is part of general health and should not be considered in isolation, as it contributes to the individual's health related quality of life. Results: More females (55.7%) than males (44.3%) attended the dental clinic within the study period Those aged 16 to 30 years (39.5%) and school pupils/students (40.8%) attended dental clinic the most when compared to other attendees. There was significant association between age (P < 0.001), occupation (P = 0.03) and patient flow to dental clinic in yearly quarters. This study identified the pattern of attendance to the dental clinic of Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy which is a secondary dental care institution. It assessed the association between age, sex, occupation and patient flow to the dental clinic
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