Patient satisfaction with dental services rendered at School of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania

Abstract

Aim: To determine patient satisfaction among dental patients treated at the School of Dentistry, MUHAS.

Study design: Cross-sectional clinic based study. Study participants and methods: Two hundred twelve dental patients aged 18 years and above who attended the oral surgery and restorative dental clinics were given a 9-items-patient satisfaction questionnaire to fill in immediately after treatment was completed. The responses were on a 4-point Likert’s scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Chi-square test was used to determine the differences in patient satisfaction between the back-ground variables studied. Significant level was set at p< 0.05.

Results: 78.8% of dental patients were satisfied with oral care, with mean satisfaction score of 3.1 (0.9). “Opportunity for a patient to explain his/her problem”, “examination” and “doctor’s explanation” were the most satisfying aspects of oral care with mean (sd) values of 3.45 (1.01), 3.28 (1.12) and 3.33 (1.05) respectively. “Treatment time”, “cost of treatment” and “waiting time” were the least satisfying aspects of oral care with mean (sd) values of 2.67 (1.31), 2.54 (1.35) and 2.25 (1.26) respectively. Patients who received oral surgical type of treatment were statistically significantly more satisfied with oral care (p< 0.05); waiting time (p< 0.001); cleanliness of clinic (p< 0.01); technical competency (p< 0.05); treatment time (p< 0.01); treatment given (p< 0.05); and cost (p< 0.001) than patients who received restorative care.

Conclusion and recommendation: Majority of the patients were satisfied with the oral care received. Efforts to reduce treatment fee, and shorten waiting and treatment time are recommended.

Running title: patient satisfaction, dental patients, School of Dentistry, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania