Table 5: Frequency of reasons for failure to keep appointments

Reason for missing appointment		Frequency		Valid percent
Forgot about the appointment		50		17.0
Patient too ill to attend		45		15.3
Patient’s symptoms were better		45		15.3
Child’s fear of going to the dentist		11		3.7
Appointment was not with the doctor of choice		11		3.7
Patient had exams to attend		50		17.0
Parent’s commitments toward other work		28		9.5
Other		12		4.1

Forgetfulness and exams are the major reasons