To investigate dental service utilization and self-reported factors influencing access to dental care among a representative Saudi population in Riyadh. A cross-sectional survey study was performed, among the representative resident population of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A standard and validated designed survey questionnaire was distributed among public places in the north, south, east, and west of Riyadh city and also shared on google forums. A p-value of ≤ 0.05, was found to be significant. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., software version 21 Chicago, IL, USA) was used for tabulation of descriptive analysis. Standard deviation (SD), percentages, and means were calculated. The majority of participants were male 60% (376). Whereas, 29.9% (128) were female. The proportion of single (238) 47.2% and married (240) 47.6% participants was almost the same. Most of the participants' preference for dental care was a private setup (403)79.9% while (101)20.3% preferred a government setup. On getting treatment, the majority paid the cost from their pocket (280) 55.55% while 173(34.2%) used insurance for paying the cost of dental treatment. The foremost possible barriers to acquiring dental care were cost (449)89%. Based on the finding of the present study improved dental utilization and access to dental care was observed in the capital of the kingdom. Some barriers have been detected that need to be addressed by the government. More focus should be based on the prevention of care rather than the treatment of the disease
