Patient Satisfaction in a Dental School Setting

Abstract

Purpose/Objectives: This study compared patient satisfaction in a School of Dentistry Faculty Practice (DFP) and 3 rd and 4 th year DDS student clinics. Methods: A survey form was distributed over a 12-week period to patients waiting in the 3 rd and 4 th year student clinics and the DFP. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to compare the responses. Results: 292 patients completed the surveys: DFP=99; 4 th year clinic=66 and 3 rd year clinic=127. Patients in the three clinics did not differ significantly in items addressing communication. The three groups also did not differ significantly in the responses regarding administration and transportation. Statistically significant differences among the three groups were observed related to timeliness of treatment but patients in all three groups would recommend their respective clinics to others. For all of the timeliness items, but one, DFP received the highest proportion of positive responses while the 4 th year clinic received the lowest. Interestingly, the 4 th year clinic also received the lowest percentage of positive responses except for one item relating to the interactions with the dental provider and staff items. Conclusion: Overall, patients in all clinical groups were satisfied with their treatment and would recommend others to receive dental care in the student clinics and the DFP. There was a general progressive improvement of patient satisfaction from the student clinics to the DFP. However, this survey identified opportunities for patient satisfaction improvement in all clinic areas of the School of Dentistry.