Evaluation of Oral Health Knowledge and Dental Service Utilisation Among Adults in Oyo State

Oral health is an often-neglected component of primary healthcare in Nigeria, with low dental service utilisation rates reflecting both knowledge gaps and structural barriers to care. This study evaluated oral health knowledge and patterns of dental service utilisation among adults in Ibadan South West LGA, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 adults aged 18 to 65 years, recruited through systematic household sampling. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of common oral diseases, self-reported oral hygiene practices, history of dental service utilisation, and barriers to care. Results showed adequate knowledge of oral health in 52.1 percent of respondents, with 71.4 percent correctly identifying brushing as essential but only 39.3 percent reporting twice-daily brushing. Dental service utilisation within the preceding twelve months was reported by only 22.1 percent. The most common reasons for visiting the dentist were toothache (64.5 percent) and tooth extraction (22.6 percent), reflecting curative rather than preventive care-seeking. Major barriers to dental care included cost (74.2 percent), perceived low priority compared to systemic health (51.4 percent), and dental anxiety (38.7 percent). Education level (p < 0.001) and higher household income (p < 0.01) were significant positive predictors of dental service utilisation. The study recommends integration of basic oral health education into PHC services, community oral health promotion campaigns, and expansion of affordable dental services in Oyo State. Keywords: oral health knowledge, dental service utilisation, adults, Oyo State, South West Nigeria