IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS) e-ISSN: 2279-0853, p-ISSN: 2279-0861.Volume 15, Issue 4 Ver. VII (Apr. 2016), PP 69-74 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/0853-1504076974 www.iosrjournals.org 69 | Page Determinants and Inequities in the Utilization of Routine Oral Health Care Services in Southeast Nigeria. Nkoli Uguru 1 , Benjamin Uzochukwu 2 , Chibuzo Uguru 3 , Obinna Onwujekwe 4 1 Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Medicine University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. Enugu Nigeria 2 Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. Enugu Nigeria 3 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, College of Medicine University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. Enugu Nigeria 4 Department of Health Administration and Management, College of Medicine University of Nigeria Enugu campus. Enugu Nigeria Abstract Introduction: In many developing countries, equitable access to and utilization of appropriate oral health services remains a major problem. This study provides information on inequities, determinants and barriers of utilization of routine dental services in Nigeria. Method: This was aquantitative cross-sectional study undertaken in Enugu State, southeast Nigeria. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain responses from 329 patients from two dental clinics. A systematic sampling technique was used to select the respondents from the sample frame, where every 3 rd patient starting from the first patient that attended the dental clinic during the period of data collection was interviewed. Analysis was done using cross-tabulations and multiple regression analysis. A socio-economic status (SES) index was created, divided into quintiles (Q1 to Q5) and used to examine the occurrence of inequities in some of the key variables. Results: Majority of the respondents (72%) visited a dental clinic only when they had a tooth ache. The next common cause of dental visit was when clients had an obvious cavity in one or more teeth (36%). The average cost of treatment per case was 4,274.26 Naira (28.49 USD). With no difference in cost by SES.Attendance at clinics for routine checkup was higher in SES groups Q4 and Q5. Regression analysis shows that a highlevel of education, perceived severity of the problem and experience of dental staff were positively associated with utilization of dental clinic while cost of treatment was negatively associated with utilization.(P<0.05) Conclusion: The major barrier to utilization of routine dental services is cost, affecting mainly the lower SES groups. Although low educational level and poor awareness were important factors. The institution of a comprehensive health insurance package which covers oral diseases as well as increased awareness and integration of preventive dental care at the primary care level will help reduce the cost of dental treatment and also enhance utilization of dental care. I. Introduction In many African countries, the availability and accessibility of dental health services are seriously constrained, and the provision of essential oral care is limited . 1 The few existing reports from Africa show very low utilization of dental services, and visits to a dental care facility are mostly undertaken for symptomatic reasons. 2,3,4,5 Previous studies show that 37% and 11.4% of respondents respectively, consulted a dentist or medical practitioner, for tooth extractions or dental problems. 3,4 Self-medication with herbal medicines or modern drugs is common practice in many African countries. 6,7 Observations from other studies show that the principal factors associated with the utilization of dental services were distance to a treatment facility and previous dental symptoms. 8 Utilization of oral health services in Nigeria is low where only 9.0% of households used dental services within one year. 5 Variables such as zone of residence, household educational level and social class ranking affect use of oral care services. 5 Some other contributory factors to low utilization such as poor perception of the importance of oral health and an ignorance of existing services have been observed. 10 To a large extent, utilization of dental services depends on the level of awareness, socio economic and socio demographic status and gender of the patient. 13 Studies carried out in Nigeria about utilization patterns have shown that regular visits to the dental clinic is not a well-established tradition and the standard measure of appropriate utilization of dental care services was not met. This is evident in the observed utilization patterns of 14.1% and 14.9% among Nigerian students 14,15 and adult utilization pattern of 26%. 12,13 This low utilization pattern could be attributed to the issue of limited health insurance as well as a low dentist per capita ratio of 1:150,000 11