Factors Influencing the Use of Dental Services and Access to Oral Health Care among Adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to investigate the use of dental services and self-reported factors affecting access to dental care among a representative adult population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among residents across the city, covering the north, east, south, and west regions. The survey was distributed in public spaces using a validated questionnaire and was also shared via Google Forms. A significance level of P ≤ 0.05 was used, and data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 21, Chicago, IL, USA). Descriptive statistics including standard deviation, means, and percentages were calculated. The majority of participants were male (n = 376 (60%)), and 29.9% (n = 128) were female. The distribution between single (n = 238 (47.2%)) and married (n = 240 (47.6%)) participants was approximately equal. When it came to dental care preferences, 79.9% (n = 403) favored private care, while 20.3% (n = 101) opted for government clinics. Among those who received treatment, 55.5% (n = 280) paid out of pocket, while 34.2% (n = 173) used insurance. The main barrier to accessing dental care was cost, which was cited by 89% (n = 449) of participants. The findings of this study indicate that the use of dental services and access to care in Riyadh is relatively high. However, there are notable barriers, particularly related to cost, that need addressing by the government. It is recommended to focus more on preventive care rather than just treating diseases.