Pattern of patients’ attendance to the dental clinic of federal college of dental technology and therapy, Enugu, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Oral health is part of general health and should not be considered in isolation, as it contributes to the individual's health related quality of life. The study aimed at assessing the pattern of attendance to the dental clinic using dental records of patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 6008 retrieved case notes from the dental clinic of Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu, from June, 2016 to May, 2017. Data on age, sex and occupation were retrieved from the dental records of the institution. Association between age, sex, occupation and patient flow to dental clinic was determined. RESULTS: More females (55.7%) than males (44.3%) attended the dental clinic within the study period. Also, those aged 16 to 30 years (39.5%) and school pupils/students (40.8%) attended dental clinic the most when compared to other attendees. Patient flow was greatest in the first quarter of the year (27.1%), followed by the third quarter (26.1%). However, patient flow was least in the last quarter (20.9%). There was significant association between age (P < 0.001), occupation (P = 0.03) and patient flow to dental clinic in yearly quarters. CONCLUSION: Being an adolescent or young adult and being a student were significantly associated with patient flow to the dental clinic in yearly quarters in the study area. Patient flow was greatest in the first quarter and least in the last quarter of the year. There is need to increase dental awareness, especially for preventive visit among older age group and non-students in the populace.