Factors Influencing Children’s Regular Attendance at Dental Clinics in Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of 9- to 12-year-old schoolchildren who attend regular dental visits. Methods: A stratified sample from 10 schools in Al Madinah, SA, was selected, and a total of 1,000 students aged 9–12 years were included in the study. The WHO criteria (2013) for assessing dental caries were used to collect clinical data, and information on dental visits and sociodemographic and behavioral variables was collected through the WHO questionnaire. The logistic regression model was used to examine the relationship between regular dental visits and sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors. Results: Only 9.2% of the sample reported regular dental visits. The multiple logistic regression model showed that gender (female: OR = 1.715; p = 0.041), high family income (middle income: OR = 0.464; p = 0.024; and low income: OR = 0.517; p = 0.015), and the consumption of sugary food and drinks (almost daily: OR = 0.438; p = 0.017; and several times a week: OR = 0.511; p = 0.050) were associated with regular dental visits after accounting for other sociodemographic and clinical variables and other oral health behavior. Conclusion: In the population studied, <10% of 9- to 12-year-olds made regular annual visits to dental clinics in Al Madinah, SA.