Association Between Access to Dental Healthcare Services and Google Search Trends: A Regional Analysis from Sanliurfa, Turkey

Objective:This study aims to explore the relationship between access to dental healthcare services and digital health-seeking behavior by examining regional variations in Google search trends related to oral health. Specifically, it investigates how fluctuations in the patient-to-dentist ratio in Şanlıurfa influence public interest in terms such as "dentist," "implant," and "oral health. Materials and Methods:Population and dentist distribution data for Şanlıurfa were sourced from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), while search volume indices for selected keywords were obtained via Google Trends. The analysis covered a defined time frame in which both dental service accessibility and online search behavior could be reliably tracked. A series of simple linear regression models were constructed, using the number of patients per dentist as the independent variable and Google Trends indices as dependent variables. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20.0, with significance set at p < 0.05. Multicollinearity was assessed using VIF values, and no violations were detected. Results:The results revealed statistically significant inverse associations between dental care accessibility and search interest. The search term "dentist" exhibited the strongest correlation (R² = 0.884, p < 0.001), followed by "implant" (R² = 0.797, p = 0.001), and "oral health" (R² = 0.516, p = 0.029). These findings suggest that improvements in dental service availability correspond with an increased frequency of health-related online information-seeking behavior. Conclusion:The findings underscore the role of service accessibility in shaping public engagement with digital health resources. As access to dental care improves, individuals demonstrate a heightened interest in both general and treatment-specific oral health topics. This shift reflects a broader transformation in health behavior, emphasizing the necessity for healthcare systems to integrate digital information strategies that support informed decision-making and preventive health practices. Strengthening digital health literacy and ensuring equitable access to reliable online content should be prioritized within public health policies.