Factors Responsible for Delayed Presentation at the Dental Clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria

Abstract Background: It is a very sad experience, as a clinician, to see a patient presenting very late at a dental office with complicated oral health-related problems when the initial causal problem is very cheap, easy, and simple to treat. This study aims to determine the factors causing delay in seeking dental treatment among the patients visiting the dental clinic of the Fedearal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria. Methodology: This study was questionnaire-based survey of 172 non-paediatric patients attending the dental clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria. Data was obtained on their socio-demographic characteristics and the reasons behind their late presentation. Data analysis was done using the SPSS Version 20 Software. Results: Most of the participating patients were males (57.6%), Muslims (73.8%) and of age 16 – 35 years (65.1%). Also, 66.9% of them were from the Hausa tribe, 62.8% were married, and 40.1% had polytechnic/university education. The reasons indicated by the respondents for their delay in seeking early oral healthcare services at our dental clinic were diverse. However, the three most commonly given reason were: busy work schedules, dental anxiety, and preference for traditional treatment options. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of delayed presentation among patients visiting the dental clinic of the Federal Medical Centre situated in the Birnin Kebbi metropolis. This study also identified the reasons for such delays. This study also corroborates other studies in ascertaining that delayed dental visit is a public health and clinical problem in the Nigerian setting. Hence, there is an imminent need to ensure that the public are educated on oral health issues.