Satisfaction as a determinant of compliance.

In this study the relation between satisfaction and compliance is examined in terms of specificity and predictive value. Satisfaction is assumed to be a determinant of compliance, especially if both concepts are measured at the same level of specificity (i.e., a dental level). A total of 176 subjects reported their satisfaction with dental visits and the dental practice, their dental compliance and their general tendency to comply. The results show a relation between satisfaction and compliance and that compliance can be predicted by satisfaction. Surprisingly, the relation between dental satisfaction and general compliance is stronger than the relation between dental satisfaction and dental compliance. This finding can be explained by the possible relation between different levels of compliance and the complexity of the concept dental compliance.