The Spatial Distribution Of Dental Centres In Ibadan, Nigeria

Material and Methods: Data were obtained from primary and secondary sources. The nearest neighbour analysis was employed to determine the spatial pattern. A questionnaire survey of 14 dental centres was conducted to recognize factors influencing the location of dental centres.

Results: The findings reveal that the private sector is the principal source of dental care. All dental, public and private dental centres are clustered over Ibadan city, given the nearest neighbour index of 0.63, 0.063, and 0.62 respectively. The major factors influencing the location of dental centres as indicated by the dental care providers are nearness to market, government decision, and road access among others.

Conclusion: In general, the location of dental centres is determined by profit consideration and equity concerns. Given the predominant presence of private clinics, the government needs to ensure, as a matter of policy, that access to dental care is equitable.