Dental treatment: utilization, motivation and prevention. A behavioural study of why people seek dental care.

Fears of over-production of dentists in South Africa may be unfounded as less than 30 per cent of the population attend for preventive dental treatment (PDT). This study was undertaken to ascertain what motivates a person to seek PDT. The sample population consisted of 107 members of the Vanderbijlpark Medical Benefit Fund. Data gathered from questionnaires led to the following results. A belief in the benefits to be derived from dental treatment when combined with a belief in the seriousness of the consequences of dental disease, as well as when these two variables are combined with a belief in one's own susceptibility to dental disease, all significantly influence making a preventive dental visit (PDV). To promote acceptance of PDT efforts should be directed towards three areas: firstly information must be propagated to show people that they will be severely handicapped by the loss of their natural teeth and that dentures are a poor substitute. Secondly, the benefit of dental treatment should be pointed out, with the emphasis that fillings do last and, therefore, are not a waste of money. Thirdly, the fatalistic attitude which exists towards dental decay and tooth loss should be changed so that people realize that they can keep their teeth all their life. Due to the heterogeneity of the population the needs, demands and attitudes of each socio-economic and ethnic group should be ascertained before promoting any preventive programme.