Unnoticed Oral Health Issues and the Role of Preventive Dentistry: A University Hospital-Based Study
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to determine the reasons for patients’ visits to a university dental hospital, assess the frequency and types of undetected dental issues, and examine whether regular dental check-ups are associated with a lower prevalence of such problems.
Methods: A total of 1,050 individuals aged 15 and above who presented to a university dental hospital were included in this descriptive observational study. Demographic data were collected through structured questionnaires. Clinical oral examinations were conducted to identify both self-reported and undetected dental issues. The frequency of these prob-lems was compared according to education level and dental check-up habits.
Results: The most visited departments were Endodontics (44.4%) and Restorative Dentistry (38.3%). While 38.4% of patients reported pain, 42.9% were asymptomatic. Notably, 99.0% of participants had at least one undetected dental problem, with scaling (90.3%), dental caries (55.3%), and tooth extractions (55.3%) being the most common. Individuals attending regular dental check-ups and those with higher educational attainment had significantly fewer undetected problems (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Undetected dental problems are highly prevalent, even among asymptomatic patients. Routine dental check-ups and higher education are significantly associated with a reduction in these issues. These findings underscore the importance of preventive care and oral health education.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
None.
Ethical Statement
This study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine (Approval No: 2025/185) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsin-ki. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before enrolment.
Thanks
There are no acknowledgements.
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