BACKGROUND:Pediatric oncology patients are highly susceptible to oral complications during chemotherapy. Awareness amongst parents and oral hygiene practices play a crucial role in preventing and managing these issues. AIM:To assess parental knowledge and awareness about the oral hygiene practices and reported oral manifestations associated with chemotherapy in pediatric oncology patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Pediatric Oncology over one year. Parents of 66 children aged 0-18 years completed a structured questionnaire covering dental care utilization, oral hygiene practices, awareness regarding oral health, pre-treatment dental status, and self-reported oral side effects after therapy. RESULTS:Only 25.7% of children had ever visited a dentist, and 12.1% underwent dental evaluation before oncology treatment. While 57.6% brushed once daily, 51.5% required assistance, and 63.6% consumed snacks between meals. Parental awareness regarding the impact of diet and oral health on general health was low (30.3%). More than half of parents (57.6%) reported oral changes after the initiation of therapy, with oral ulcers (40.9%), difficulty eating (30.3%), and taste alteration (27.3%) being most common. Despite these symptoms, only 3% underwent dental treatment post-therapy initiation. CONCLUSION:The study reveals inadequate dental care utilization, suboptimal oral hygiene practices, and lack of awareness amongst parents of pediatric oncology patients. Routine dental screening, structured oral hygiene education, and multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to minimize oral complications and improve oral health during chemotherapy.

Background:Tobacco consumption is one of the leading causes of preventable death globally, responsible for over 8 million deaths annually according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tobacco Epidemic Report 2023. Dental professionals are instrumental in eliminating this problem. However, their own tobacco habit may prevent them from offering their patients counselling and guidance on quitting. In order to assess the prevalence and pattern of tobacco-related habits among dental students, a survey was conducted. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 370 undergraduate students enrolled in a dental college in Southern India. Data collection was carried out using a structured, close-ended questionnaire designed to assess tobacco usage patterns, types of tobacco products consumed, as well as participants' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours pertaining to tobacco cessation. The collected data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) Version 23.0, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered indicative of statistical significance. Results:Out of 370 students, 8.6% were current smokers, 23.2% were past smokers and 68.2% had never smoked. A total of 1.1% were current tobacco chewers and 2.7% were past tobacco chewers. Majority are cigarette smokers. A significantly high number (79.9%) of past users smoked for less than 2 years as compared to 59.4% of current users who smoke for more than 2 years. A total of 53.2% of current users never tried to quit, and 25% don't want to quit the habit. Conclusion:Dental professionals who smoke cigarettes themselves may experience diminished professional credibility as promoters of healthy behaviour, which could, in turn, compromise the persuasiveness and efficacy of their tobacco cessation counselling interventions. It may have detrimental effects on society if they themselves are involved in tobacco consumption practices. Enforcement of policies should be followed strictly at all levels to prevent tobacco usage among students. Quitting tobacco is a cornerstone of public health efforts and is strongly linked to global goals of sustainable good health and well-being (Sustainable Development Goal 3 [SDG3]), because it leads to immediate and long-term health improvements, reducing the burden of disease over a person's lifetime.

Background & Objectives:The Greater Palatine Foramen (GPF), is a vital anatomical landmark for palatal nerve blocks. Hence imaging of this structure to understand its anatomy is important. Our study aimed to explore the radiomorphometric parameters of the greater palatine canal and pterygopalatine fossa using CBCT images in different age groups and gender. Subjects Materials and Methods:100 CBCT images showing both right and left maxillary sinus region were analysed for length of the greater palatine canal, the upper and lower opening diameters, and the intra-canal curvature. The recorded values were statistically analysed. Results:The right greater palatine canal length was significantly shorter in individuals >25 years (Mean = 31.72 mm, SD = 4.30 mm, p-value = 0.021). The left upper opening diameter increased significantly with age (Mean = 5.90 mm, SD = 1.47 mm, p-value = 0.006). Males exhibited longer canals (Avg. length mean = 33.23 mm, SD = 4.19 mm, p-value = 0.095). And larger lower opening diameters (Avg. mean = 5.69 mm, SD = 1.18 mm, p-value = 0.073) than females. Canal curvature was predominantly curved across both the age groups, but age group 18-25 years showed a significantly higher prevalence of curved canals on both sides. Conclusion:The present study showed significant variations in the morphology of the greater palatine foramen and canal curvature with respect to age and sex. Variations in GPC length, diameter, and curvature can influence the success of palatal nerve blocks, that reduce the risk of injury to the greater palatine nerve. Recognizing these differences through preoperative CBCT enables accurate anesthesia delivery, safer flap design, and precise osteotomy planning.

BACKGROUND:Root caries is a major dental public health concern, particularly among the geriatric population residing in old age homes. Preventive and noninvasive strategies, such as topical fluorides, have shown promise in managing root caries. This study compares the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish in preventing and arresting root caries in this population. METHODS:A parallel group randomised clinical trial was conducted among elders (60-89 years) in old-age homes of Udupi District, India. Participants with at least one exposed root surface caries lesion were recruited and randomly allocated to either the SDF group or the NaF group. Caries activity status (active vs. arrested) was assessed at baseline, 1 month and 3 month follow-ups using explorer probing and ICDAS codes, with the primary outcome being arrest or progression of root caries lesions. Within-group changes were evaluated using McNemar's test, and between-group differences by Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS:A total of 57 participants were included (SDF group: 29; NaF group: 28). At 1 month follow-up, 96.6% of the SDF group showed arrested root caries, but only 50% in the NaF group showed arrested root caries (p < 0.001). At 3 months, 89.7% of the SDF group remained arrested, whereas only 21.63% of the NaF group maintained arrested caries (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:SDF may serve as a simple and practical treatment option for managing root caries, particularly in institutional care settings. Strengthening such preventive strategies can help address the growing burden of root caries in ageing populations and improve their overall quality of life.

Purpose:Thyroid hormones have a catabolic effect on bone mineral homeostasis. Hypothyroid patients have shown changes in bone mineral density with increased risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Radiomorphometric parameters on panoramic images are good indicators of bone mineral density. The aim of the study was to compare the radiomorphometric parameters in dental panoramic images of patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism with age- and gender-matched control populations. Methods:Panoramic radiographs of 47 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism were measured for radio morphometric indices like mental index (MI), The inferior panoramic mandibular index (PMI), antegonial index (AGI), gonial Index (GI) and mandibular cortical Index (MCI). The measurements were compared with age and gender matched 50 healthy controls. Results:The mean values of MI (3.11), PMI (0.28), and GI (1.38) were lower in hypothyroidism than in 50 healthy controls which was 3.17, 0.30 and 1.33, respectively. However, only AGI (3.14) showed statistically significant differences (p = 0.03). Conclusion:This study showed radiomorphometric parameters like MI, PMI, GI and AGI are valuable indicators of bone changes in mandible of patients with systemic diseases like hypothyroidism. Although statistically significant difference was seen only in AGI compared to healthy controls. Further studies with larger samples can provide substantial data. Applying newer technologies like machine learning can also help us determine whether mandibular morphometric parameters can predict changes in bone mineral density in hypothyroid cases.

Objectives:To compare the prevalence of root surface carious lesions among the nondiabetic and diabetic elderly population and its association with various risk factors. Methods:An observational analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 elderly participants, 431 males and 369 females, aged 50 years and above, with a minimum of ten teeth present, with 400 being diabetic and 400 nondiabetic from the various hospitals of the Udupi district. Demographics, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene practices, oral abusive habits, and history of type 2 diabetes were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire followed by an intraoral examination to assess root caries. The primary outcome measure was the presence of any carious or filled root surface. Binary logistic regression univariate analysis was done for all the predictor variables, and those with significant associations were further analyzed by multivariate analysis with the enter method in a single-step model. An appropriate nomogram was designed for risk prediction. Results:Overall, the root caries prevalence was 37.3%, and the mean root caries index was 14.28%. The prevalence of root caries was 46% in people with diabetes and 28.5% in nondiabetics. Participants with type 2 diabetes, less education, low socioeconomic status, and using finger cleaning had a significantly higher risk of developing root caries. Additionally, those who used removable partial dentures (RPDs) were found to be 4.65 times more likely to have root caries than those who did not use RPDs. Conclusion:Elderly diabetics are at a higher risk for developing root caries and are strongly advised to maintain good oral hygiene practices and to undergo periodic dental evaluations. Therefore, it is crucial to emphasize early diagnosis and treatment of root caries in this population.

Background: Disparity in the esthetic perceptions between a patient and clinician could result in patient dissatisfaction with orthodontic treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the perceptions of a group of orthodontists, general dentists, and laypersons about the attractiveness of Indian facial profiles.Methods: In this study, a male and a female participants’ photographs and lateral cephalograms were digitally manipulated by inserting them into Dolphin software; we considered four soft tissue parameters at a nasolabial angle, upper lip E-line, lower lip E-line, and pg-pg’, so that 20 profiles were created for each model. A visual analog scale (VAS) along with a question about surgical correction opinion was given to 18 orthodontists, 18 general dentists, and 18 laypersons to score (1-5) from least to most attractive. Spearman’s rank correlation was computed to assess correlation, as well as ANOVA, followed by post hoc Tukey analysis to compare the mean scores, and Chi-square test to determine the opinion about surgical treatment.Results: There was an overall weak and negative correlation between the three groups, indicating that orthodontists attributed lower pleasantness scores to almost all the altered female and male facial profiles. Additionally, statistically significantly lower mean scores were attributed by orthodontists to many females and few male facial profiles. More orthodontists identified the need for surgical correction for a few severely distorted profiles but there was a statistically non-significant difference among the groups for most of the profiles.Conclusions: It was concluded that participants in the three groups had diverse concepts of facial attractiveness in all the parameters considered. Compared to general dentists and laypersons, orthodontists were much more precise, firmer, and meticulous in identifying a favorable or good-looking profile.

Background: Disparity in the esthetic perceptions between a patient and clinician could result in patient dissatisfaction with orthodontic treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the perceptions of a group of orthodontists, general dentists, and laypersons about the attractiveness of Indian facial profiles. Methods: In this study, a male and a female participants’ photographs and lateral cephalograms were digitally manipulated by inserting them into Dolphin software; we considered four soft tissue parameters at a nasolabial angle, upper lip E-line, lower lip E-line, and pg-pg’, so that 20 profiles were created for each model. A visual analog scale (VAS) along with a question about surgical correction opinion was given to 18 orthodontists, 18 general dentists, and 18 laypersons to score (1-5) from least to most attractive. Spearman’s rank correlation was computed to assess correlation, as well as ANOVA, followed by post hoc Tukey analysis to compare the mean scores, and Chi-square test to determine the opinion about surgical treatment. Results: There was an overall weak and negative correlation between the three groups, indicating that orthodontists attributed lower pleasantness scores to almost all the altered female and male facial profiles. Additionally, statistically significantly lower mean scores were attributed by orthodontists to many females and few male facial profiles. More orthodontists identified the need for surgical correction for a few severely distorted profiles but there was a statistically non-significant difference among the groups for most of the profiles. Conclusions: It was concluded that participants in the three groups had diverse concepts of facial attractiveness in all the parameters considered. Compared to general dentists and laypersons, orthodontists were much more precise, firmer, and meticulous in identifying a favorable or good-looking profile.

Background Given the high prevalence of tobacco use, India presents a significant challenge in tobacco control. Yet, the support received for tobacco cessation is suboptimal. Hence, the aim of this narrative review was to identify and heuristically evaluate ‘high-quality’ and ‘engaging’ tobacco cessation mobile apps using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Also, to categorize and analyse their features with respect to engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality. Methods A systematic search of tobacco cessation apps was done within app stores of prominent smartphone platforms developed by Apple and Android. The following search terms: ‘quit smoking,’ ‘smoking cessation, ‘stop smoking,’ ‘smoking therapy,’ ‘quit tobacco,’ ‘cigarette cessation,’ ‘cold turkey,’ and ‘quit cigarette.’ Pearson’s correlations were used to analyse correlations between app scores (Total score app-quality/mean score) and downloads/ratings and number of downloads with the overall MARS score. A Chi-square test was performed to analyse any association between app focus and app release dates. Results Total MARS scores ranged from 3.1 to 4.9. Quitsure app (4.9), Craving to Quit! app (4.8) and Stop Tobacco Mobile Trainer: Quit Smoking App (4.74) were ranked the highest according to the MARS overall mean score. Older apps focussed more on mere goal setting or substance use, as compared to behaviour change; whereas, recently developed apps are now focussing more on behaviour change. Conclusions The content and functionality of behaviour change-focused apps were of higher quality than those of other app categories. These recently developed mHealth apps can effectively supersede the traditional smoking cessation methods.

Background Given the high prevalence of tobacco use, India presents a significant challenge in tobacco control. Yet, the support received for tobacco cessation is suboptimal. Hence, the aim was to identify and heuristically evaluate ‘high-quality’ and ‘engaging’ tobacco cessation mobile apps using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Also, to categorize and analyse their features with respect to engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality. Methods A systematic search of tobacco cessation apps was done within app stores of prominent smartphone platforms developed by Apple and Android. The following search terms: ‘quit smoking,’ ‘smoking cessation, ‘stop smoking,’ ‘smoking therapy,’ ‘quit tobacco,’ ‘cigarette cessation,’ ‘cold turkey,’ and ‘quit cigarette.’ Pearson’s correlations were used to analyse correlations between app scores (Total score app-quality/mean score) and downloads/ratings and number of downloads with the overall MARS score. A Chi-square test was performed to analyse any association between app focus and app release dates. Results Total MARS scores ranged from 3.1 to 4.9. Quitsure app (4.9), Craving to Quit! app (4.8) and Stop Tobacco Mobile Trainer: Quit Smoking App (4.74) were ranked the highest according to the MARS overall mean score. Older apps focussed more on mere goal setting or substance use, as compared to behaviour change; whereas, recently developed apps are now focussing more on behaviour change. Conclusions The content and functionality of behaviour change-focused apps were of higher quality than those of other app categories. These recently developed mHealth apps can effectively supersede the traditional smoking cessation methods.

The present study explores the efficacy of Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks in age assessment using the root length of the second and third molar teeth. A dataset of 1000 panoramic radiographs with intact second and third molars ranging from 12 to 25 years was archived. The length of the mesial and distal roots was measured using ImageJ software. The dataset was classified in three ways based on the age distribution: 2–Class, 3–Class, and 5–Class. We used Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Logistic Regression models to train, test, and analyze the root length measurements. The mesial root of the third molar on the right side was a good predictor of age. The SVM showed the highest accuracy of 86.4% for 2–class, 66% for 3–class, and 42.8% for 5–Class. The RF showed the highest accuracy of 47.6% for 5–Class. Overall the present study demonstrated that the Deep Learning model (fully connected model) performed better than the Machine Learning models, and the mesial root length of the right third molar was a good predictor of age. Additionally, a combination of different root lengths could be informative while building a Machine Learning model.

Background: Wearable device technology has recently been involved in the healthcare industry substantially. India is the world’s third largest market for wearable devices and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of ~26.33%. However, there is a paucity of literature analyzing the factors determining the acceptance of wearable healthcare device technology among low-middle-income countries. Methods: This cross-sectional, web-based survey aims to analyze the perceptions affecting the adoption and usage of wearable devices among the Indian population aged 16 years and above. Results: A total of 495 responses were obtained. In all, 50.3% were aged between 25–50 years and 51.3% belonged to the lower-income group. While 62.2% of the participants reported using wearable devices for managing their health, 29.3% were using them daily. technology and task fitness (TTF) showed a significant positive correlation with connectivity (r = 0.716), health care (r = 0.780), communication (r = 0.637), infotainment (r = 0.598), perceived usefulness (PU) (r = 0.792), and perceived ease of use (PEOU) (r = 0.800). Behavioral intention (BI) to use wearable devices positively correlated with PEOU (r = 0.644) and PU (r = 0.711). All factors affecting the use of wearable devices studied had higher mean scores among participants who were already using wearable devices. Male respondents had significantly higher mean scores for BI (p = 0.034) and PEOU (p = 0.009). Respondents older than 25 years of age had higher mean scores for BI (p = 0.027) and Infotainment (p = 0.032). Conclusions: This study found a significant correlation with the adoption and acceptance of wearable devices for healthcare management in the Indian context.

BackgroundThe Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in 2019, has shocked the entire world. As an effort to control the disease spread, the Indian government declared a nationwide lockdown on March 25th, 2020. As dental treatment was considered high risk in the spread of COVID-19, dentistry became one of the most vulnerable professions during this time. Dental professionals had to face job layoffs, salary cuts in professional colleges, closure of private clinics resulting in huge psychological, moral, and financial crises. Studies during the previous and present pandemics have shown mental issues among health care workers necessitating institutional reforms, along with early care and support. A balance in the work-life amongst professionals is the key to better efficiency and, was majorly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown due to sudden unexpected changes. Hence this study was conducted to understand the changes they underwent both at home and professional front with a hypothesis that physical and mental health, activities, relationship status, and workplace influence the work-life balance.MethodsA pre-validated questionnaire survey was done on dentists across India. Structural Equation Modelling and path analysis were applied to the data collected.ResultsThe results of the study supported the hypothesis that factors like physical and mental health, activities, relationship status, and workplace influenced the work-life balance directly. A significant imbalance was seen amongst the female dentists.ConclusionThe present study proved the unpreparedness among dental professionals. Hence an evolutionary phase in every field with better working protocols, robust mental health support, and a focus on strategies to face future such emergencies is required.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between Oral health literacy (OHL) with the level of education and self-efficacy among adults (age 18-77 years) patients attending a dental outreach clinic in Udupi Taluk. Basic Research Design: A cross-sectional study of adult patients attending a dental outreach clinic by convenience sampling. Method: Information was obtained about patient’s sociodemographic factors along with the self-efficacy by using Dental Copings Belief’s scale (DCBS) questionnaire and OHL was assessed by using a word recognition instrument Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (REALD-30). One way ANOVA and Pearson’s χ 2 test were used for analysis. Participants: 200 adult patients age range of 18-77 years who wanted to seek dental care in a dental outreach clinic. Main Outcome Measures: Oral health literacy (OHL) and Self efficacy (DCBS). Results: In this study the OHL was significantly associated with the level of education of patients. Among the 200 subjects who claimed to be able to read and write English language andhad completed education till class 10th; more than 50% of the subjects had Low (≤21) OHL scores. Only 12.5% of the total study population had High OHL (≥26) and were clearly able to understand simple dental terminology. Moderate levels of literacy was recorded in 75.6% in graduate and postgraduates indicating that even these people partially understood dental terms. There was no significant association between oral health literacy and self-efficacy. Conclusion: Our study suggests level of education to be a strong indicator of the OHL in the Indian Population. Further research to develop new instruments to measure the OHL, in a culturally diverse country like India, which has people of different mother tongues should be encouraged.

Objectives: This study compared the longevity of high strength posterior glass ionomer and metal-reinforced glass ionomer using ART in rural settings within an 18-month observation period. Study Design: A nonblinded parallel design randomized controlled trial was conducted among children who attended dental outreach programs in a rural area of Southern India. Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) was performed in 92 permanent posterior teeth with either high strength posterior glass ionomer or metal-reinforced glass ionomer restorations. The allocation ratio was 1:1. Restorations were evaluated at 1, 6, 12 and 18 months after placement. Results: The success rate of metal-reinforced glass ionomer restorations was 100%, 95.4%, 90.4% and 87.2% as compared to high strength posterior glass ionomer whose success rates were 100%, 93%, 85% and 61.8% at the four follow ups respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the success rate of the two materials at the end of 18 months with the metal-reinforced glass ionomer restorations having a higher success rate (p=0.015). Conclusions : Although the clinical performance of both materials were largely similar, the metal-reinforced glass ionomer restorations had a higher success rate than the conventional GIC at the end of 18 months of follow-up.

Background: Tobacco usage is a global concern and it is essential to curb its usage and increase awareness among patients. Dental professionals’ contribution in tobacco cessation will definitely make a stark difference. Thus it is important to assess dental students’ and graduates’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards Tobacco cessation counselling (TCC). Materials and Methods: The descriptive, cross-sectional survey was carried out among 286 students of a dental college in South India. A well-structured, pretested, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 17 close-ended questions was employed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice towards TCC. Results: Almost all study participants agreed that tobacco cessation counselling is under the scope of dental practice and admitted that it is the responsibility of dental professionals to educate patients for the same. Majority of graduates responded that they have done tobacco cessation counselling whereas less than two-third of undergraduates have done the same and difference between two groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). A significantly higher number of graduates (79%) were aware of 5A’s and 5R’s protocol for TCC as compared to undergraduates (50%). But less than one-fifth of study population have actually applied this protocol for TCC in clinical practice. Conclusion: There is a need to modify the dental curriculum and motivate young graduates and students about TCC. This will develop a more professional competence and helps to encourage the dental professionals in developing a preventive mind set about tobacco use. Thus, it will help in enhancing the long-term rates of quitting tobacco among patients, which will prove beneficial in controlling tobacco related diseases in near future.

Aim: The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of use and need for dental prostheses and to associate need with the life course determinants in young adults of age 18–35 years in Udupi taluk, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional survey conducted on a total of 580 individuals those attended dental screening camps organized at random locations. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to participants to assess their life course determinants such as socioeconomic, behavioral, and psychological circumstances followed by an oral examination to assess their prosthetic status (WHO, 1997). Bivariate analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for independent variables and the outcome. Results: The need and use of dental prostheses was observed in 38% and 2.2% of young adults, respectively. Adjusted multivariable analysis revealed that life course determinants such as parental rearing style (OR = 7.66 [95% CI: 3.88–15.14]) and interaction between expenditure at 10 years of age and economic hardships at 10 years of age (OR = 9.63 [95% CI: 3.12–29.72] and OR = 6.43 [95% CI: 1.89–21.88]) were significantly associated with the need for prostheses. Conclusion: The need for dental prostheses in the young adults can be related to socioeconomic and psychosocial circumstances during childhood, and thus the concept of life course approach has been highlighted.

Background: Medical emergencies are inevitable in clinical dental set-up. They put the well-being of patients at risk. If addressed properly, severity of such episodes can be brought down significantly. So the aim of this study was to assess the preparedness of dental students to manage medical emergencies in dental clinics. Materials and method: This cross-sectional survey was done among 147 graduate and postgraduate students of a dental college in South India. The participants filled self-administered questionnaire consisting of 23 close-ended questions. Descriptive analysis using Chi-square test was done to compare two groups. P-value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result: Amongst 147 participants, around three-fourth of study participants have encountered medical emergency during clinics. Around three-fourth of students has received theoretical training but still majority of participants feel they are incompetent to handle medical emergencies. Most of them are willing to undergo proper training to handle medical emergencies and also support the addition of separate ALS and BLS course. Majority of PGs and three-fourth graduates knew how to perform BLS, CPR but administration of IM, IV and SC injections were known to less than one-third of students. Conclusion: Dental professionals should be confident and prepared to deal with medical emergencies arising during their practice. Reforms in dental curriculum and thorough training of dental students at an initial stage will help to increase their confidence and competence to deal with medical emergencies.

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.