Introduction: Oral health is crucial for young individuals’ overall well-being, yet disparities in utilization of dental services remain prevalent. Understanding the demographic factors influencing dental treatment patterns can help identify gaps in care and improve service delivery. Aims: This study analyzed the dental treatments received by pediatric patients at Taif University Dental Hospital and examined the relationship between patient demographics and dental procedures administered. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data were extracted from the dental records of patients aged 2–16 years, with a focus on various treatments, including prevention, restorations, pulp therapy, extractions, and interceptive orthodontics. Results and Discussion: This study included 791 cases that underwent 5287 dental procedures. Preventive treatments were most prevalent (35.1%), followed by restorations (28.8%), pulp treatments (13.5%), and extractions (12.9%). Children aged 8–10 and 11–13 years showed higher odds of receiving orthodontic appliances, while the 5–7 years of age group had increased odds of extraction, pulpotomy, and stainless steel crowns. Compared to females, males presented with reduced odds of receiving braces (odds ratio OR = 0.250) and strip crowns (OR = 0.694) but increased odds of undergoing pulp treatments (OR = 2.214), scaling (OR = 2.037), stainless steel crown placement (OR = 2.412), and extractions (OR = 1.429). Compared to Black individuals, White individuals had higher odds of receiving braces (OR = 9.512) and band and loop space maintainers (OR = 5.198). Both White and Asian individuals were significantly more likely to undergo extractions, pulpectomies, and pulpotomies. Saudis exhibited higher odds for receiving braces (OR = 6.500) compared to non-Saudis. Conversely, Saudis had lower odds of receiving extractions (OR = 0.786) and scaling (OR = 0.733). Conclusion: This study reveals significant disparities in dental service utilization among young patients at Taif University Dental Hospital, with age, gender, race, and nationality profoundly influencing the patterns of treatment received.
Amal Albalooshy (Thu,) studied this question.