Method: A retrospective review of dental records of 295 patients presenting for scaling and polishing at the periodontology clinic of University College Hospital, Ibadan over a period of one year was done. Three groups were identified; those seeking routine scaling and polishing, referral as a result of periodontal problems and referral from other clinics. Data was obtained for age, gender, religion, marital status and socio-economic status of each patient. Analysis was done using SPSS for windows version 10 and level of significance was set at 5%.
Results: One hundred patients with mean age of 42.3years sought routine scaling and polishing, of which 54% were males. One hundred and twelve (112) patients had periodontal problems and 83 patients were referred from other clinics. A significant relationship was found between socio-economic status and routine scaling and polishing with the professionals and civil servants seeking this more than others. Conclusion: The socio-economic status of patients is important in seeking for routine scaling and polishing