Needs and demands for dental care in patients attending the University Dental Hospital in Sri Lanka

Aims: To determine the needs and demands for dental care in patients visiting a university dental hospital. Design: A cross-sectional study of first visit patients. Setting: The University Dental Hospital in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Participants: A total of 849 first visit patients. Methods: The main complaint of each patient was recorded and was considered as a measure of demand for dental care. Tooth based and orthodontic treatment needs were assessed using the WHO basic methods. Periodontal treatment need was assessed by the periodontal treatment needs system. Need for prosthetic care was also assessed. Results: Thirty per cent and 23% of patients demanded treatment for decayed teeth and toothache respectively. Nearly 34%, 27% and 17% of patients needed surgical, restorative and periodontal care respectively for the main complaint. Of those seeking care, 94% needed treatment other than what was required for the main complaint. The predominant normative treatment need was for periodontal care (77%) whilst 47% needed restorations or extractions. Conclusion: Normative needs of patients demanding treatment were high and many had demanded treatment before acute symptoms had developed. However, delays in seeking care were evident. Further studies are needed to identify factors for delay in obtaining care.