Abstract

LIMA, Ana Carolina Silva de; CABRAL, Etenildo Dantas  and  VASCONCELOS, Marcia Maria Vendiciano Barbosa. Patient satisfaction at Specialized Dental Clinics in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 2010, vol.26, n.5, pp. 991-1002. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2010000500021.

This study evaluated patient satisfaction at four specialized dental clinics in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. Data were collected through a standardized self-applied individual questionnaire with 272 patients, to evaluate user satisfaction with public dental services. The findings indicated a positive evaluation on most dimensions, except for accessibility. Significant differences were observed between the services on the following dimensions: patient-dentist relationship (p = 0.001); patient-dental assistant relationship (p = 0.007); effectiveness (p = 0.014) accessibility/waiting time (p = 0.018); physical environment/reception room cleanness (p = 0.004); acceptability (p = 0.029); and effectiveness/tooth appearance (p = 0.029), effectiveness/chewing capacity (p < 0.001). In conclusion, most users were satisfied with the dental care, and satisfaction differed between services.

Keywords : Patient Satisfaction; Quality of Health Care; Oral Health.