Perceptions and use of dental quacks (unqualified dental practitioners) and self rated oral health in Trinidad

Objective: To investigate reasons for use of dental quacks, treatment received, satisfaction with treatment, perceived differences to qualified dentists, and relationships to sociodemographic factors and self rated oral health. Method: A 14‐item questionnaire including closed and open questions, was administered by interview to adult patients attending government health centres in Trinidad. Results: Data were collected between November 2001 and March 2002. Two hundred and two people from 273 invited to participate, were interviewed (response rate 74%). Sixty seven per cent reported visiting a dental quack. People who had used a quack were older, from lower socioeconomic groups and more likely to be living in an area where there were fewer government dental clinics. The most common reason for visiting a quack was toothache (74%) and extraction was the most common treatment received (61 %). Forty three per cent of respondents were dissatisfied with the treatment received from a quack and 83% felt that treatment provided by a qualified dentist was different. Main reasons for using a quack were cost (53%) and availability (20%). People who had used a quack were less likely to rate their oral health as ‘Very good’ or ‘Excellent’. Conclusion: Those using the services of dental quacks in Trinidad were more likely to have lower, self rated oral health. Affordability and availability of dental treatment were identified as barriers to care from qualified dentists.