Patient Awareness, Attitudes, and Perceptions Toward Cosmetic Dentistry in a Dental Outpatient Setting in Karachi.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of patients visiting the outpatient department (OPD) regarding cosmetic dental procedures.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Oral Diagnosis, Jinnah Medical & Dental College, Karachi, over a period of six months; from 10-5-2025 to 9-11-2025. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Data from 385 participants were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Associations between variables were determined using the Chi-square test, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.
Results: Among 385 participants, 350 (90.9%) were aware of cosmetic dental procedures. Of these, 320 (83.1%) had previously undergone at least one procedure, most commonly crowns/bridges (37.5%) and tooth whitening (31.25%). The primary motivations were improving appearance (34.38%) and peer/social influence (17.18%). Most participants considered cosmetic dental procedures safe (83.12%) and believed they improve self-esteem (79.22%). Participants' awareness, attitudes, and perception were shown to be significantly correlated with gender, age, income, and education (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Awareness of cosmetic dental procedures among dental OPD patients visiting dental outpatient depart-ment was high, and attitudes and perceptions were generally positive. Demographic factors including gender, age, edu-cation, and income significantly influenced participants’ knowledge and perceptions of cosmetic dentistry.
Keywords: Cosmetic Dentistry, Knowledge, Attitude, Aesthetics.