[Perceptions and behavior toward dentistry in students and non-students in Dakar (Senegal)]

Abstract

The authors try to appreciate the perception by student and non student population of dental care throughout fear of dentist, pain and dentist-patient relationship, also the patient preventive attitude. Results show more fear of the dentist by students and expressed pain. Dental cares are expensive according both students and non students but seem to be comfortable. Dentist-patient relationship is more appreciated at the Odontologic Institute which form future dentists and 80 per cent of patients consult for prophylactics care against 29 at the medico-social centre of the university. Dental care accessibility in developing country is a real problem and rate of dental diseases cannot be taken down without support of information and communication waves.