Influence of Treatment Procedures on the Uptake of Oral Health Services in Public Dental Facilities in Nandi County, Kenya

Abstract

While developed countries have made notable advancements in oral health technologies and preventive care, low- and middle-income countries, including Kenya, continue to face challenges in delivering comprehensive oral health services. This study aimed to determine the influence of oral healthcare treatment procedures on the uptake of oral health services in public dental facilities in Nandi County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive cross sectional research design targeting five public oral health facilities. Respondents included 5 general dental practitioners, 5 dental technologists, 23 nurses, and 40 community oral health officers. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, interviews, and a review of dental service reports. A pretest was conducted at Kericho County Referral Hospital to validate the research instruments. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 24, generating descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically to capture key insights. The results revealed that a majority of respondents (91%) indicated their facilities offered basic dental procedures such as tooth filling and extraction. Composite and glass ionomer were the most used filling materials. Common extractions included first and second molars and lower incisors. Chi-square analysis showed a significant positive association (p<0.05) between uptake of oral health services and procedures such as fillings, extractions, scaling, and awareness of crowning techniques. However, advanced procedures like teeth alignment and crowning services showed no significant influence (p > 0.05) on service uptake. Most facilities served between 10 and 50 patients daily, indicating moderate utilization. While the resolution of dental complications increased public confidence and reduced disease cases, respondents highlighted poor oral hygiene and delayed health-seeking behavior as barriers to effective care. Education efforts were inconsistent, with 55 respondents rating public awareness as low. The study concludes that while basic procedures positively influence uptake, comprehensive policy reforms and investment in advanced treatments and public awareness are needed to strengthen oral health services in Nandi County. The study recommends that the county health office develop targeted awareness programs to educate the public on the availability and benefits of diverse oral treatment options and introduce regular in-service training for dental practitioners to build capacity in delivering advanced oral healthcare.