Determining relationship of dental utilization with optimism, life satisfaction, and self-reported oral health among adult population in Udupi Taluk, India

Background: Dental care utilization has been documented over the years and shown association with many factors. So aim of this study is to determine the relationship of dental utilization with optimism, life satisfaction, and self-reported oral health. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional survey consisting of structured questionnaire on demographic characteristics, dental utilization, self-reported oral health, optimism and life satisfaction was done on Udupi population. Result: Out of 390 patients, 317 returned the completed questionnaire (response rate-81%). Bivariate logistic regression analysis shows gender, marital status, location, SES, those satisfied with their life, self-reported decay, and self-reported missing teeth were significantly associated with dental utilization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows gender, location, upper SES, self-reported decay, and self-reported missing teeth were significantly associated with dental utilization. Marital status and life satisfaction and optimism were not significantly associated with dental utilization. Conclusion: Socioeconomic factors along with psychological aspects and self-reported oral health have an influence on dental utilization of the individual.