Patients’ perception toward various dental treatments provided in the internship program

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate patients’ perception regarding treatment and environment in the interns’ clinic at a university dentistry clinic.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2012 to May 2013 at the College of Dentistry, University of Dammam, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A self-directed questionnaire was distributed to 220 randomly selected patients, and the response rate was approximately 68%. Patients’ were asked regarding dentists’ behavior, treatment, and clinical environment along with their demographics, and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS: Out of the 220 randomly selected patients, 150 participated in the study. The average age of a respondent was 32.5 years (+/-14.5), 89 of the 150 participants were Saudi nationals. Collectively, 86% were satisfied with the doctors’ behavior, and approximately 94% responded that the dentist listens to their concerns. Most (83%) were satisfied with the treatment plan provided by the interns.

CONCLUSION: The findings in this study showed that more than 80% of the participants were satisfied with the quality of treatment and clinical environment. The dissatisfaction rate was minimal (13%) and for this reason, it is difficult to establish the factors for patients dissatisfaction.