Influence of volume of dental treatment on self reported oral health of patients visiting university college of dentistry Lahore

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of volume of dental treatment on self reported oral health of patients visiting University College of Dentistry Hospital, Lahore. A cross sectional study of 660 participants was conducted in the Department of Periodontology, University of Lahore from March 2011 to March 2012. An oral examination conducted by calibrated examiners was followed by administering a self complete questionnaire i.e. global oral health transition [GOHT] statement to indicate change in oral health related quality of life [OHRQoL]. A statistically significant greater proportion of people who had received six or more dental services in the past one year had a self-reported improvement in oral health than people who received less or no dental services [p=<0.01]. Of the putative confounders, the presence of oral disease at baseline [p=<0.01], having a treatment need [p<0.01] usually visiting a dentist with a problem [p<0.05] and having a lot of difficulty paying Rs 1000[$10] dental bill [p=<0.01] were significantly associated with oral health staying the same or worsening. Having six or more dental services was significantly associated with greater self-reported improvement in oral health than less than six dental services. Results provide important information to politicians, policy makers and administrators for allocating necessary resources to improve population OHRQoL