Shakeel Qutub Khan, Babur Ashraf, Nabeel Qutub Khan, Syed Shazil Hussain.
Assessment of satisfaction level among orthodontic patients.
Pak Oral Dental J Jan ;34(4):651-5.

This study was done to determine the level of satisfaction among patients undergoing Orthodontic treatment. At the end of Orthodontic session, a questionnaire containing 17 close ended questions was handed out to patients who were willing to participate in the study. Questionnaire addressed four main categories; 1) Appointment facilities, 2) Behavior of dentist and staff, 3) Quality, efficiency and cost of treatment provided, 4) Infrastructure and other basic facilities. Pearson Chi square test was used to find association between patient’s age & various factors that can affect satisfaction level among patients. Three hundred and ninety patients (28.5% male & 71.5% female) voluntarily participated in this study which was carried out from September 2013 to May 2014. Professional, courteous and polite behavior of dental professionals showed highest percentage of satisfaction (98.2%). Only 53.1% of patients reported that they were satisfied with number of chairs in waiting area, which showed lowest percentage of satisfaction. 89% of the patients stated that they were satisfied with overall services provided by Orthodontic department. On average, mean percentage of satisfaction among Orthodontic patients in all four categories was 88%, demonstrating high level of satisfaction. Female patients showed higher satisfaction level in all categories. Satisfaction rate was highest in 19-24 years age group. Chi square test revealed that association between patient’s age & factors like behavior of dental professionals (p = 0.019), cost (p = 0.000), efficiency of treatment (p = 0.000), cleanliness of equipment (p = 0.001) and neatness of clinical area (p = 0.008) were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Dental practitioners should be careful about the human and emotional aspects of treatment provided and must be aware that these factors are fundamental components of quality of care that we provide. Regular feedback & evaluation of patient satisfaction level is essential in order to further improve quality of Orthodontic services.

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