The willingness to attend the first dental visit within 1 year of age: An analysis applying Andersen’s behavioral model of health service utilization

BACKGROUND: The first dental visit (FDV) within 1 year of age is important for establishing good oral health behaviors for young children, but delayed FDVs are common. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the predisposing, enabling, and need factors of maternal willingness to attend the FDV for infants. DESIGN: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among mothers of infants aged 11‐14 months. A questionnaire was developed based on Andersen's behavioral model of health service utilization. Data regarding the FDV, FDV willingness, and reasons for not attending the FDV were collected. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the associated factors. RESULTS: Of 658 infants, only 2.7% (18) had a Thirty percent (191/640) of mothers reported their willingness to attend the FDV in the next 3 months. Nearly two‐thirds of mothers reported not attending the FDV since their children's teeth were healthy. Maternal perceptions of their infants’ oral health status were negatively associated with willingness to undergo the FDV, whereas family social support was positively associated with willingness to undergo the FDV. CONCLUSIONS: Need factors play a key role in the utilization of FDV. Improving parental awareness of FDV might help parents voluntarily attend the FDV, and offering support from the family and healthcare system levels enables access to paediatric dental care.