ABSTRACT
Background: Oral health is a fundamental component of overall well-being. However, dental service utilization among specific populations, such as university students, remains under-researched, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria. Understanding utilization patterns and barriers among this group is critical for promoting oral health equity.
Objective: To assess the utilization of dental services, the knowledge and perceptions of oral health, and barriers influencing service access among education students at the University of Benin.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 190 education students. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, with a significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: The study revealed that 72.6% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of dental services, with age significantly associated with knowledge (p=0.004). A high proportion (97.9%) exhibited positive perceptions, while only 54.2% had utilized dental services, primarily for symptomatic reasons (34.7%). Barriers included cost (31.6%), long waiting times (27.1%), and fear (10.3%).
Conclusion: While students exhibited good knowledge and positive perceptions, utilization of dental services was suboptimal due to significant barriers. Addressing these barriers through educational campaigns, improved access, and subsidized care is crucial.
Keywords: Oral health, dental service utilization, barriers, university students, Nigeria.
