Reasons for Consultation among Patients Attending Fixed Prosthetic Department of Rabat’s Dental Consultation and Treatment Center: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: This research aims to describe the real reasons for patients' consultations in the fixed prosthetic department within Rabat's Dental Consultation and Treatment Center (DCTC). Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the reasons that push patients to seek care with fixed prostheses. Data were collected through face-to-face personal interviews and a clinical examination using a specific questionnaire developed based on the available literature on the subject. The first part focused on general patient data, the second part consisted of a clinical examination of tooth loss and prosthetic status and the last part dealt with the different reasons for consultation themselves. The collected data were statistically analyzed. JAMOVI Version 2.3, statistical software was used. The descriptive statistics were done using Mean, standard deviation (SD), numbers (n), and percentages (%). The analysis of the association between reasons for consultation (Binary dependent variables), the edentulous situation and the prosthetic status (Independent variables) was carried out by Binary logistic regression. Results: 197 subjects were examined, including 73.1% women and 26.9% men. The main reasons motivating participants to seek fixed prosthetic treatment were: Reduction in masticatory function (91.9%), the reputation of the service and its health professionals (74.1%), Advice from a relative (54.8%) and Cost of healthcare (52.8%). Our results have notably highlighted that some clinical parameters influence certain reasons for consulting a prosthetic service; statistically significant associations were detected by Binary logistic regression between tooth loss, psychological discomfort and Proximity to the healthcare center. As well as between the prosthetic status of the participants, psychological discomfort, reputation of the service and Follow-up visit. Conclusion: This information reflects the importance of studying the therapeutic needs of patien