Patient knowledge, attitude and behavior towards dental treatment in India.

Limited patient knowledge and inconsistent treatment-seeking behavior remain major challenges in effective dental care delivery in government healthcare settings. Therefore, it is of interest to assess patient knowledge, attitude and behavior toward dental treatment in an outpatient department of a government medical college hospital. Hence, a cross-sectional survey of 450 patients was conducted using a validated questionnaire covering socio-demographic factors and treatment-related perceptions and practices. Only 34.2% demonstrated adequate knowledge, 52.4% showed positive attitudes, while treatment-seeking was predominantly pain-driven with poor follow-up compliance. Thus, we show the need for structured patient education and improved service strategies to enhance treatment adherence and oral health outcomes, which highlights the necessity of organized patient education and service delivery changes at the governmental dental clinics.