Saudi Dental Journal (Jul 2024)
Health status and visit reasons for children attending the Pediatric Dentistry department in damascus university, damascus, Syria: A retrospective study
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to discuss the health status and treatment requirements of children visiting the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study included the records of patients attending the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, from November 29, 2021, to December 14, 2023. Results: The study reviewed 2417 patient records, excluding 312. The majority of patients were primary school children aged 6 − <12, primarily from Rif-Dimashq governorate. About 18 % displayed negative behavior during examinations, and 8 % had special health care needs. The most frequent type of disability was medical disabilities, followed by neurological disorders, with percentages of 40.2 % and 28.9 %, respectively. Dental caries were the primary reason for visits, with a mean of 3.94 ± 3.13. A negative association was found between the number of decayed teeth and the following: age classification, visit year, and Salviov-Tinawi scale. The percentage of males who came for cosmetic problems was higher than females at 57.2 % and 42.8 %, respectively. Conclusions: The Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University, is a public dental clinic that is visited by patients from all governorates, providing free specialized treatments. Clinical relevance: Unmet dental needs are a significant issue for both healthy children and those with special health care needs. The Department of Pediatric Dentistry serves as a research and educational center, offering comprehensive dental treatments to children from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Therefore, understanding the dental needs of children is crucial for providing effective support.
