Factors affecting children’s regular attendance to dental hospital in Andhra Pradesh, India: A cross-sectional study

Background and Objectives: There are several factors that affect the children’s regular dental attendance, and this study aims to investigate these factors which affect the regular attendance of children to a dental hospital in Andhra Pradesh state of India. Methods: A total of 1284 children aged 3–12 years who visited the outpatient department were included in the study through convenience sampling. The prevalidated questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha value α = 0.9) includes sociodemographic data and frequency of dental visits in the past 12 months and is further categorized into five domains, such as sociodemographic factors, child factors, self-supported oral health care and behavior factors, parent factors, and other factors. The data obtained was analyzed with logistic regression statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of children was 7.9 + 2.6 years, of which 47% were females and 53% were males. Among them, 51.9% visited dentists regularly (22.5% at 6 months and 29.4% at 12 months). Factors such as the proximity of dental clinics to residence, sugar consumption, parental attitudes and their knowledge about fluoridated toothpaste usage, fear and anxiety of children, and reasons for dental visits have shown a significant impact on regular dental attendance ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Facilitators for the regular dental visit include scheduled appointments, positive attitude of parents, and parental knowledge about the use of fluoridated toothpaste, children with absence of fear and anxiety while visiting dentists, and well-equipped dental clinics, though located at a farther distance. Barriers to regular dental visits include negative attitudes of parents and dental visits only due to pain or trouble with teeth, gums, or the mouth.