This study is therefore designed to assess the gross oral health condition among patients presenting at the ENT out-patient clinic with non dental complaint and their self assessment of such condition in view of dental treatment need.
Methods: A descriptive cross sectional design involving 126 consecutive participants. They provided information that were recorded on prepared forms containing researcher administered questionnaires and diagnostic record.
Results: Sixty-five51.6%) were males, while 61 (48.4%) were females, within the age range of 2 and 86 years old, with a mean age of 31.9 +-23. Majority 114(90.5%) had never visited the dentist before. Of the few that had visited before only 3(25%) visited within the preceding six months period.
Reason given by most(97.6%) of the participants is “ I don't have any problem” others said “I wasn't told to see a dentist”.
However, only 7(5.6%) have good oral hygiene, a total of 34(26.9%) have caries, 29(23%) have edentulous spaces, 41(32.5%) have periodontal pathology. 40(31.7%) have different forms of tooth wear, while 49 (38.8%) have dental stains. Over half of the participants (60.3%) will need scaling and polishing.
Conclusion: Study showed high level of oral health morbidity and deep ignorance of it, exhibited by the ENT- out patient population.
Recommendation is hereby made for programmes that will increase oral health knowledge among the doctors for proper identification of oral health lesions, so that prompt and appropriate referrals can be made. Suggestion is also made for inclusion of oral health care in the pre-consultation health education of all clinics. These will avail every patient a more holistic approach in health care delivery.