Materials and Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were given to 300 students from 5 different colleges in Bangalore city. The questionnaire assessed variables representing the various stages of the hypothesized model and other relevant variables (dental anxiety, general anxiety and subjective oral health rating)

Results: Sequential regression analysis showed that cognitive factors like negative past experiences (p=0.04) and, expectations and anticipation of future dental appointments (p<0.001) along with psychological factors like dental anxiety (p=0.05) and general anxiety (p=0.02) influenced behavioural intentions to attend future appointments. These findings were consistent with the hypothetical model.

Conclusion: The model explains dental appointment attendance behavior based on the contributions of cognitive factors such as expectation and anticipation of future appointments along with past dental experience and can be used to foster better utilization of dental care.