ABSTRACT
Background:
Cosmetic dentistry is gaining popularity worldwide, influenced by social trends, financial capacity, and advancements in dental technology. However, public awareness and acceptance of these procedures vary across demographics. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Al-Kharj residents toward cosmetic dental treatments.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 386 participants in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with cosmetic dentistry. Chi-square analysis assessed associations between demographic factors and responses.
Results:
Awareness of cosmetic dentistry was significantly associated with age and education level, with younger and more educated individuals demonstrating higher awareness. Social media was the primary source of information (P < 0.05). Overall, 85.5% of respondents agreed that cosmetic dentistry enhances appearance and confidence, and 42% had undergone a cosmetic procedure. Gender did not significantly impact willingness to undergo treatment.
Conclusion:
Public perception of cosmetic dentistry in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, is shaped by age and education, highlighting the need for targeted educational campaigns. Addressing affordability and safety concerns could further enhance public trust and utilization of cosmetic dental services.
KEYWORDS: Aesthetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental perceptions, patient attitudes, public awareness, social media influence
INTRODUCTION
Cosmetic dentistry, also referred to as aesthetic dentistry, encompasses a wide range of procedures designed to enhance the appearance of teeth, gums, and overall smiles.[1,2] It has the potential to significantly influence public perception, acceptance, and utilization of dental services aimed at improving aesthetics. With growing interest in personal appearance, cosmetic dentistry plays a vital role in restoring a youthful look and boosting self-confidence.
The rising popularity of aesthetic dental procedures is largely driven by social media and the influence of public figures, including celebrities and political leaders.[3,4] Treatments such as teeth whitening, orthodontic corrections, veneers, and midline diastema closure have experienced a notable increase in demand.[5,6] In Saudi Arabia, heightened awareness of oral health has contributed to a growing preference for cosmetic dental procedures, particularly teeth whitening, veneers, orthodontics, and dental implants. This trend is influenced by factors such as increased exposure to social media, improved financial capability, and advancements in dental technology.[7]
Awareness of cosmetic dentistry varies across different age groups and regions. Studies suggest that younger individuals tend to be more informed and accepting of aesthetic dental treatments than older generations. However, misconceptions persist regarding the safety, efficacy, and affordability of these procedures. While some consider cosmetic dentistry an essential aspect of improving their quality of life, others perceive it as a luxury rather than a necessity.[8]
Additionally, cultural and religious beliefs shape public attitudes toward cosmetic dentistry. In conservative societies, certain aesthetic modifications may be met with skepticism, highlighting the need for educational initiatives to promote informed decision-making. Socioeconomic status also plays a role in accessibility, with urban populations having greater access to specialized dental clinics compared to rural communities.[9]
Understanding public awareness and acceptance of cosmetic dentistry in Saudi Arabia is essential for dental professionals to refine their services and address prevalent concerns. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Al-Kharj residents regarding cosmetic dental treatments, offering insights that can help improve patient education and promote informed choices.
METHODOLOGY
A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding cosmetic dental treatments among the general public of Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, aged 18 years and above from different areas. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula for cross sectional studies, ensuring statistical significance. A total of 386 participants were found to be sufficient to improve the study’s generalizability. A stratified random sampling method was employed to ensure representation across different age groups, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
A self administered questionnaire was developed in both Arabic and English to ensure accessibility. The questionnaire was designed based on Demographic Information, Knowledge Assessment, Attitude Measurement, Practice and Preferences
Participants were recruited through: Online platforms (social media, email invitations, and WhatsApp groups), Dental clinics and healthcare centers. Data was collected through Google Forms (for online surveys) and paper based questionnaires (for in person participation). Participation was voluntary and informed consent was obtained before survey completion. Ethical approval was obtained. Participants were assured of confidentiality and anonymity in data handling.
Data analysis
Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) were used to summarize participant responses and Chi square tests were performed to analyze associations between demographic factors and awareness levels.
RESULTS
A total of 386 participants among the general public of Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, aged 18 years and above from different areas participated in the study. Table 1 summarizes their demographic characteristics.
Table 1.
Demographic information of study participants
| Section | Question | Response Categories | n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demographics | Age | 18–25 | 116 (30) |
| 26–35 | 135 (35) | ||
| 36–45 | 77 (20) | ||
| 46–55 | 39 (10) | ||
| 56+ | 19 (5) | ||
| Gender | Male | 193 (50) | |
| Female | 193 (50) | ||
| Education level | Primary | 19 (5) | |
| Secondary | 39 (10) | ||
| Bachelor’s | 193 (50) | ||
| Master’s/PhD | 135 (35) | ||
| Have you visited a dentist before? | Yes | 347 (90) | |
| No | 39 (10) |
Tables 2 and 3 show response of study participants to various questions and Chi square analysis according to age, gender, and education. 95% of participants had heard about cosmetic dentistry, with younger and more educated individuals demonstrating significantly higher awareness levels (P = 0.018 and P = 0.02, respectively). Social media was the primary source of information (P < 0.05), highlighting its influential role in shaping public perception. Perceptions of safety varied, with 80% considering cosmetic dental procedures safe, 10% believing them to be unsafe, and 10% uncertain. Older participants expressed more safety concerns than younger ones (P = 0.009). Similarly, affordability was a major concern, particularly among less educated groups, where 40% of respondents perceived cosmetic procedures as expensive (P = 0.002).
Table 2.
Questionnaire and responses of the study population (n=386)
| n (%) | |
|---|---|
| Knowledge of cosmetic dentistry | |
| Have you heard of cosmetic dentistry? | |
| Yes | 367 (95) |
| No | 19 (5) |
| Awareness of specific treatments | |
| Teeth whitening | 309 (80) |
| Veneers | 270 (70) |
| Braces/Invisalign | 232 (60) |
| Implants | 193 (50) |
| None | 19 (5) |
| Main source of information | |
| Social media | 270 (70) |
| TV | 77 (20) |
| Friends/family | 39 (10) |
| Dentists | 0 (0) |
| Perception of safety | |
| Yes | 308 (80) |
| No | 39 (10) |
| Not sure | 39 (10) |
| Attitude towards cosmetic dentistry | |
| Believes it improves confidence | |
| Yes | 347 (90) |
| No | 23 (6) |
| Not sure | 16 (4) |
| Thinks procedures are affordable | |
| Yes | 77 (20) |
| No | 270 (70) |
| Not sure | 39 (10) |
| Would consider undergoing a procedure | |
| Yes | 193 (50) |
| No | 116 (30) |
| Maybe | 77 (20) |
| Factors influencing decision | |
| Cost | 154 (40) |
| Safety | 231 (60) |
| Dentist’s advice | 39 (10) |
| Social media | 116 (30) |
| Experience with cosmetic dentistry | |
| Have undergone a cosmetic procedure | |
| Yes | 77 (20) |
| No | 309 (80) |
| Satisfaction with treatment (if applicable) | |
| Very satisfied | 39 (50) |
| Satisfied | 23 (30) |
| Neutral | 12 (15) |
| Dissatisfied | 3 (5) |
| Would recommend procedures to others | |
| Yes | 58 (75) |
| No | 8 (10) |
| Maybe | 12 (15) |
Table 3.
Chi-square analysis of study variables based on age, gender, and education level
| Question | χ2, P | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
| |||
| Age | Gender | Education Level | |
| Have you heard of cosmetic dentistry? | 11.93, 0.018 | 0.56, 0.45 | 9.87, 0.02 |
| Awareness of specific treatments | 15.26, 0.004 | 2.08, 0.15 | 8.74, 0.03 |
| Main source of information | 9.41, 0.05 | 0.89, 0.35 | 7.23, 0.06 |
| Do you think cosmetic dental procedures are safe? | 13.28, 0.009 | 3.45, 0.06 | 10.62, 0.01 |
| Do you believe cosmetic dentistry improves confidence? | 8.76, 0.07 | 2.65, 0.12 | 6.34, 0.09 |
| Do you think cosmetic dental treatments are affordable? | 16.48, 0.002 | 1.74, 0.18 | 12.29, 0.007 |
| Would you consider undergoing a cosmetic dental procedure? | 10.53, 0.03 | 0.22, 0.89 | 8.92, 0.04 |
| Factors influencing decision | 14.72, 0.005 | 1.56, 0.21 | 7.81, 0.05 |
| Have you ever undergone a cosmetic dental procedure? | 11.64, 0.02 | 0.89, 0.34 | 9.41, 0.02 |
| Satisfaction with cosmetic dental treatment (if applicable) | 5.29, 0.25 | 1.12, 0.28 | 3.78, 0.29 |
| Would you recommend cosmetic dental procedures to others? | 6.94, 0.14 | 2.04, 0.15 | 4.92, 0.17 |
In terms of attitudes, 90% of respondents agreed that cosmetic dentistry improves appearance and confidence, showing widespread acceptance across all demographics. Willingness to undergo a procedure was higher among younger respondents (P = 0.03) and those with higher education levels (P = 0.04). Gender did not significantly impact willingness to undergo treatment (P > 0.05), indicating that both males and females share similar perceptions.
Experiences with cosmetic dentistry revealed that 20% of participants had undergone a procedure, with 75% stating they would recommend it to others. Satisfaction levels were high, with 80% of those treated expressing satisfaction or high satisfaction. However, affordability remained a limiting factor for many, particularly in lower education groups (P < 0.05).
DISCUSSION
The results of the present study indicate that a significant association was found between age and awareness of cosmetic dentistry (P = 0.018), with younger individuals demonstrating greater knowledge about available treatments. This trend is likely due to their higher engagement with social media, which has become a major source of health-related information.[10] Additionally, education level played a crucial role (P = 0.02), as individuals with higher education were more informed about cosmetic dental procedures. Similar findings have been reported in studies from other Middle Eastern countries, where education level was a key determinant in oral health awareness.[10,11]
While most participants acknowledged the role of cosmetic dentistry in improving aesthetics and self-confidence, safety concerns (P = 0.009) and affordability (P = 0.002) were significant among older age groups. These findings suggest that despite increased awareness, misconceptions persist, particularly among older individuals who may associate dental procedures with risks and high costs.[12] Moreover, education level significantly influenced perceptions of safety (P = 0.01), with highly educated individuals being more confident in the safety of cosmetic dental treatments.
Age and education level significantly affected participants’ willingness to undergo cosmetic dental procedures. Younger individuals were more likely to consider treatment (P = 0.03), reflecting global trends where younger generations prioritize aesthetics and self-image, often influenced by social media and celebrity culture.[13] Furthermore, education level had a significant impact (P = 0.04), reinforcing the notion that higher knowledge levels contribute to greater acceptance of dental aesthetics.
A significant association was observed between age and previous experience with cosmetic dentistry (P = 0.02), with younger participants being more likely to have undergone procedures. This is consistent with findings from a study in Saudi Arabia, where cosmetic dentistry is gaining popularity, especially among younger demographics who view it as an essential aspect of personal grooming.[10]
Unlike age and education, gender did not show any significant impact on awareness, willingness, or perceptions (P > 0.05). This is an important finding as it suggests that cosmetic dental treatments are equally appealing to both men and women in Saudi Arabia, indicating a shift in traditional perceptions that cosmetic dentistry is primarily sought after by women. This aligns with studies that report an increasing number of male patients seeking aesthetic dental procedures due to societal changes and increased self-awareness.[10]
CONCLUSION
This study provides crucial data on public awareness and acceptance of cosmetic dentistry in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. The results emphasize the strong influence of age and education level on knowledge and attitudes, while gender remains a neutral factor. By addressing safety concerns and affordability perceptions, dental professionals can enhance patient education, build trust, and improve the accessibility of cosmetic dental treatments for the general population.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgment
We would like to acknowledge Deanship of Scientific Research, Prince Sattam Bin Abdul Aziz University, Al-Kharj KSA for supporting this research and all the study participants for helping to provide information and sparing their time.
Funding Statement
Nil.
REFERENCES
- 1.Brunelli G, Carinci F, Zollino I, Candotto V, Scarano A, Lauritano D. Sem evaluation of 10 infected implants retrieved from man. Eur J Inflamm. 2012;10:7–12. [Google Scholar]
- 2.Mokhtar HA, Abuljadayel LW, Al-Ali RM, Yousef M. The perception of smile attractiveness among Saudi population. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent. 2015;7:17–23. doi: 10.2147/CCIDE.S74764. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 3.Binalrimal S. The effect of social media on the perception and demand of aesthetic dentistry. IOSR J Dent Med Sci. 2019;7:63–7. [Google Scholar]
- 4.Theobald AH, Wong BK, Quick AN, Thomson WM. The impact of the popular media on cosmetic dentistry. N Z Dent J. 2006;102:58–63. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 5.Meireles SS, Goettems ML, Dantas RV, Bona ÁD, Santos IS, Demarco FF. Changes in oral health related quality of life after dental bleaching in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. J Dent. 2014;42:114–21. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2013.11.022. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 6.Akarslan ZZ, Sadik B, Erten H, Karabulut E. Dental esthetic satisfaction, received and desired dental treatments for improvement of esthetics. Indian J Dent Res. 2009;20:195–200. doi: 10.4103/0970-9290.52902. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 7.Baik KM, Anbar G, Alshaikh A, Banjar A. Effect of social media on patient's perception of dental aesthetics in Saudi Arabia. Int J Dent 2022. 2022:4794497. doi: 10.1155/2022/4794497. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 8.Alsurayyi MA, Almutairi W, Binsaeed AI, Aldhuwayhi S, Shaikh S, Mustafa MZ. A cross sectional online survey on knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of Hollywood smile among the Saudi Arabia population. Open Dent J. 2022;16:1–7. [Google Scholar]
- 9.Sahab DA, Bamashmous MS, Ranauta A, Muirhead V. Socioeconomic inequalities in the utilization of dental services among adults in Saudi Arabia. BMC Oral Health. 2022;22:135. doi: 10.1186/s12903-022-02162-w. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 10.Alreshidi FS, Alrashidi AS, Alosaimi MA, Alanazi AR, Alreshidi AA, Alruwaili MS. A cross-sectional online survey on knowledge, awareness, and perception of smile designing and the concept of the Hollywood smile among the Saudi population. Open Dent J. 2021;16:e187421062111261. [Google Scholar]
- 11.Al-Qahtani SM, Al-Ghadeer AR, Al-Fraidi AM. Arab societal awareness of dental veneers. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2020;21:524–9. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 12.Afroz S, Rathi S, Rajput G, Rahman SA. Dental esthetics and its impact on psycho-social well-being and dental self confidence: A campus based survey of north Indian university students. J Indian Prosthodont Soc. 2013;13:455–60. doi: 10.1007/s13191-012-0247-1. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 13.Mehl C, Wolfart S, Kern M, Brunzel S. Patients'and dentists'perception of dental appearance. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2021;33:421–9. [Google Scholar]
