The Okayama University pediatric dental outpatient clinic started its services in April 1984. Since then, there have been changes in the demographics of patients and their dental needs. This study was therefore done to improve dental services for future patients. All dental records of patients coming for their initial visit in 2006 were compared with records of initial visit patients in 1993 and 1984. The following results were obtained:
1. There was a marked increase and decrease of patients coming for their initial visit since establishment of the clinic but this difference became negligible in recent years.
2. The chief complaints were mostly dental caries. However, there was a decrease in the number of dental caries and an increase in orthodontic problems and preventive dentistry or oral examination.
3. There was an increase in patients with systemic diseases and those who were physically and mentally handicapped.
4. The number of referrals accepted has increased.
5. There was a decrease in the number of patients in Okayama City, but an increase in patients in Okayama Prefecture and outside of the prefecture.
6. There was an increase of patients who had no experience of dental treatment prior to visiting our clinic. Seventy percent of the patients under six-years of age had no experience of dental treatment.