The data is part of a set of surveys aimed at determining waiting times for access to public primary oral health care. The surveys were collected from citizens, dental nurses, and oral health care managers. This material covers the citizen survey. The respondents are from Southwest Finland.

First, respondents were asked to rank the criteria for choosing a dentist for non-urgent care and were asked whether the quickness of access to non-urgent care was important to them when choosing a dentist. They were then asked where they obtained information for choosing a dentist. In addition, respondents were asked whether they generally preferred to visit the same dentist or whether they would visit any dentist if they could get an appointment quickly.

Next, respondents were asked how regularly they visit a dentist and whether they visit a health center or a private clinic. After this, respondents were asked about their views on the assessment of their need for treatment, e.g., whether they exaggerate their symptoms to receive treatment more quickly. In addition, questions and statements were presented regarding waiting times for treatment, such as how long they had waited for non-urgent treatment. Also, statements were presented regarding waiting times published on the internet.

Background variables include the municipality of residence, year of birth, gender, educational background, perceived oral health, and personal oral care habits.