Why Do Many Indonesians Still Rarely Visit the Dentist?
Dental and oral health is an important part of overall bodily health. However, data shows that the awareness among Indonesians to regularly visit the dentist is still relatively low. Many people only come to the clinic when they are already experiencing severe toothaches or facing serious problems.
One of the main causes of this phenomenon is the fear of medical procedures at the dentist. The sound of the drill and uncomfortable past experiences often make people reluctant to undergo routine check-ups. Furthermore, many people still believe that going to the dentist is only necessary if there is a highly bothersome complaint.
Economic factors and accessibility also act as barriers for some people. The cost of dental care, which is considered expensive—especially if not covered by health insurance—causes many to delay treatment. In remote areas, the limited number of dentists also makes it difficult for residents to obtain affordable and quality dental health services.
Lack of early education also plays a major role in this issue. Many parents have not accustomed their children to brushing their teeth properly or having dental check-ups from an early age. As a result, these bad habits are carried into adulthood and lead to more complex dental health problems later in life.
To address this issue, the government and medical professionals continue to strive to improve education regarding the importance of prevention. The public is urged to have a dental check-up at least once every six months, even if they are not feeling any pain. With early detection, treatment costs can be reduced, and it is hoped that the dental health of the Indonesian people will improve significantly.