Awareness, Attitudes, Needs, and Demands Toward Tooth Replacement Options Among Patients at an Emirati University‐Setting Clinic

TL;DR

This study explores how patients at an Emirati university clinic understand and feel about tooth replacement options, highlighting financial barriers and preferences for dental implants.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into patient awareness and preferences for tooth replacement in an Emirati context, emphasizing financial barriers and the popularity of dental implants.

Findings

Dental implants are the most preferred tooth replacement option among patients.

Financial constraints are the primary barrier to seeking prosthetic treatment, especially among older and more educated individuals.

Awareness and treatment preferences are strongly influenced by age and education level.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the awareness, attitudes, needs, and demands of patients at Ajman University regarding available tooth replacement options.

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 200 patients attending Ajman University’s dental clinics. The sample consisted of 51.5% males and 48.5% females, all aged 18 years or older with one or more missing teeth. Participants completed a structured, closed‐ended questionnaire designed to reveal their knowledge of dental prostheses, the reasons for seeking or delaying replacement, and their preferences for prosthodontic treatment options. Statistical analysis was performed using chi‐square and Fisher’s exact tests with a significance level of p  < 0.05.

Significant associations were found between the demographic variables (independent variables) and the key prosthodontic‐related measures assessed in the study (dependent variables). Age and gender were significantly associated with the number of missing teeth (p  < 0.001), with older individuals and males exhibiting greater tooth loss. Education level showed a significant association with the timing of seeking tooth replacement (p  < 0.001). Financial constraints were the most frequently reported barrier to treatment, particularly among older and more educated participants (p  < 0.001). Awareness and preference for prosthodontic options were strongly influenced by education (p  < 0.001) and age (p  < 0.001), with dental implants being the most preferred option. Employment status demonstrated a significant association only with awareness of complete dentures (p  < 0.001), while most other dependent variables showed no significant relationship with employment status or gender.

Patients demonstrated a high level of awareness of dental prostheses, particularly removable dentures, with implants emerging as the most preferred replacement option. Financial limitations and fear of discomfort were major barriers to seeking prosthetic treatment. Enhancing patient education and implementing financial support strategies may improve the uptake of prosthetic rehabilitation.