# A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Perceived Oral Health Care Needs, Barriers to Accessing Oral Health Care Services, and Utility Among the Rural Population in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu

## TL;DR

This study explores oral health care needs and barriers in a rural Indian district, finding that high costs and lack of knowledge prevent people from seeking dental care.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into rural oral health care utilization and barriers specific to the Chengalpattu district in Tamil Nadu.

## Key findings

- 43.3% of respondents experienced toothache, but only 37.5% had their dental needs met in the past year.
- Dental expenses were significantly linked to access to dental services.
- Lack of knowledge about oral health and high costs were identified as major barriers to care.

## Abstract

Introduction

Utilization is the actual attendance of people at oral healthcare facilities to receive treatment. This study aimed to determine the perceived oral health care needs and barriers to utilizing dental services among rural populations.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire was designed to identify the perceived oral health care needs and obstacles to accessing dental facilities and their utility among rural populations. The sample size was set at 570. A data collection sheet was used to collect the required data, which included informed consent, demographic details, and the questionnaire.A pretested and validated questionnaire was used in the study.

Result

Among the 570 respondents, 43.3% of the population had experienced toothache, out of which 67.6% perceived the need for dental care. Only around 37.5% reported that their dental needs were met during the past year. Dental expenses were significantly related to access to the dentist.

Conclusion

This survey revealed that the majority of the population tends to utilize the available services only when absolutely necessary. High dental service costs and inadequate knowledge about oral problems act as major barriers.