Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background Despite recommendations for early dental visits, the utilization of preventive dental services among young children remains low. Early childhood caries continues to be highly prevalent, reflecting a gap between preventive knowledge and actual service uptake. This study aimed to examine parental determinants of children’s first dental visit and to explore the gap between knowledge and utilization of preventive dental care. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 103 parents attending a child development clinic at a provincial referral hospital in Indonesia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, perceived barriers, and experiences related to children’s first dental visit. The primary outcome was dental service utilization, defined as whether the child had ever visited a dentist. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Results Most children had never visited a dentist (74.8%), and among those who had, the first visit was generally delayed until 3–6 years of age. Although parental knowledge regarding early dental visits and preventive care was high, it was not associated with service utilization. Child age was the strongest predictor of dental attendance (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.37–3.32; p = 0.001), indicating delayed, problem-driven care-seeking behavior. Conclusion There is a sizable difference in the amount of information that people know about their child’s dental care and how often they use preventive dental services. Young children are primarily getting traditional dental care which reacts to children’s needs instead of providing preventive services.