FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PERCEPTION OF THE NEED FOR DENTAL TREATMENT AMONG THE ADULT POPULATION IN NORTHEASTERN ROMANIA

In the context of growing concerns regarding oral health among the adult population, the present study aims to analyze the factors that influence the perception of the need for dental treatments in northeastern Romania. The aim of study: to identify the factors that influence adults’ perception of the need for dental treatment in northeastern Romania. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on a self-administered questionnaire distributed online to a sample of 92 adult participants. The research instrument assessed demographic characteristics, behaviors related to oral health, and attitudes toward prevention and dental treatment. Results: A total of 36.96% of respondents consider it necessary to have a dental check-up every six months, while 33.7% visit the dentist only when a problem arises. The main motivation for seeing a dentist was prevention (63.04%), followed by pain (31.5%). The most frequently mentioned barriers to accessing dental treatment were high costs (31.52%), fear of pain (29.35%), and lack of time (28.26%). Education level was positively correlated with motivation for prevention and willingness to pay for quality dental services but did not significantly influence the actual frequency of visits or the perceived need for treatment. Only one-third of respondents considered the link between oral and general health to be “very important,” indicating a low level of oral health literacy. Conclusion: The promotion of oral health requires integrated interventions focused on adapted education, the reduction of access barriers, and the inclusion of dental care in broader public health strategies, particularly for vulnerable groups.