dental care utilization pattern and barriers encountered toward seeking oral health care services among the residents of nimbut village, maharashtra, india

Objectives: The objectives of the present study have been conducted to evaluate the dental care utilization pattern and barriers encountered toward seeking oral healthcare services. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured interview using the investigator's guide to assess felt needs, utilization, and barriers. Using systematic random sampling technique recruitment of 625 (125 participants per ward of each WHO age group) was done. Results: It was observed that only 52.8% had ever been to a dentist in the past 1 year, and maximum visits were by 65–74-year-olds. The oral healthcare need was majorly met by visiting a private dental practitioner (27.4%) and through outreach programs (23.8%). About 43.5% of participants responded that receiving of oral healthcare was “important only when in pain.” About 66.9% participants felt “cost” was the main barrier restricting them to visit dentist. About 17.11% participants felt that having oral healthcare facility in primary health centers would have helped them. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to increase awareness and utilization of oral healthcare services through mass education and preventive programs.