Factors affecting patient satisfaction at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Dental Clinic.

BACKGROUND

Satisfaction is important in dental care because satisfaction with care alleviates dental anxiety, influences patients' compliance and is an important indicator of quality of care.

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to determine the factors that contribute to satisfaction with dental care among patients attending the Lagos State University (LASUTH) Dental Clinic.

METHODS

Across-sectional, descriptive questionnaire-based survey was conducted among adult patients attending the LASUTH Dental Clinic. The questionnaire, a modification of the Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ), contained 19 items on a Likert-pattern scale with scores ranging from 0 to 4.

RESULTS

The scores obtained for satisfaction with the dental services ranged from 19 to 75 with a mean of 55.30 +/- 11.55. The majority of respondents (305 or 87.4%) were satisfied with the services received. The items generating the highest and lowest mean satisfaction score were cleanliness/comfort of the facility and cost of services respectively. Long waiting time was the item respondents liked least about the services. There was a statistically significant relationship between the items assessing communication and respondent's gender (p = 0.001). The relationship between the overall satisfaction score and gender (p = 0.233), age category (p = 0.842) and educational status (p = 0.565) were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate a high level of satisfaction with services provided at the LASUTH Dental Clinic. However, there is need for improvement in communication with patients and reduction in waiting time.