Factors influencing patients’ time of presentation to a dental clinic and pattern of sociodemographic influence in a tertiary health facility

Healthcare professionals should always encourage their patients to present early to the health facility for prompt treatment. Despite public health education on this matter, many patients still present late to the hospital. The study aimed to determine the factors influencing the time of presentation to a dental clinic and the sociodemographic effects of such factors. A total of 257 questionnaires were administered, of which 243 were correctly filled and returned, representing a response rate of 94.5%. The majority, 59.3%, presented because of pain, while 91.4% felt they presented late. Most of the respondents, 94(42.3%), cited trying other treatments as the reason for coming late. There were strong associations between reasons for coming late and some sociodemographic characteristics of respondents. Most patients seeking dental care present late and only do so when the pain is becoming unbearable, having tried other alternatives. Some sociodemographic characteristics of individuals showed a strong association with some reasons for presenting late.