[Factors associated with dental care use among a population of Moroccan adolescents].

INTRODUCTION: Untreated dental caries are a major public health concern because of the impact on quality of life and of the high cost of dental care. Our aim was to identify factors related to dental care use among a population of urban Moroccan adolescents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving adolescents in an urban area was conducted. Adolescents were recruited in high schools selected by a cluster sampling method. The studied variables were recorded through a questionnaire and oral examinations. Collected data were socio-demographic parameters, medical insurance status and oral health status using DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) and SiC (Significant Caries Index) indexes. Logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate factors associated to dental care use.

RESULTS: Four hundred and fifty adolescents were included in 2012 and 2013. Three hundred and eighty seven (86%) had one untreated dental caries at least. One hundred and seventy-one (38%) had at least one filled teeth. Logistic regression analysis showed that health insurance status, parental income, gender and DMFT index were statistically significant variables associated to dental care use.

DISCUSSION: Renouncement to dental care is not only related to the lack of medical insurance. Other factors such as gender and income level seems to be as important.