Patient Satisfaction with Dental Services Provided at Isfahan Dental School and Its Associated Factors in 2024
Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Dental Research Institute, Dental Materials Research Center, AND, Associate Professor, Department of Oral Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2
Dentist, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Patient satisfaction is an indicator for evaluating the quality of healthcare services, and is particularly crucial in educational centers that face the challenge of balancing training with patient care. This study was conducted to assess the current level of patient satisfaction and to identify related factors at the Isfahan Dental School.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included 440 patients referred to Isfahan Dental School in 2024. A validated questionnaire based on previous instruments measured satisfaction in four domains: interpersonal factors, accessibility, facilities, and service quality. Data were analyzed using T-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation.
Results: TThe mean total satisfaction score was 71.12 ± 11.54 out of 100, indicating a "moderately desirable" level. Satisfaction was highest for interpersonal factors (84.06 ± 13), particularly the respectful behavior of students and faculty. The lowest score was for accessibility (61.45 ± 15), mainly due to long waiting times. Welfare facilities also scored low. A significant inverse relationship was found between the patient's education level and satisfaction (P < 0.001). Conversely, a positive self-assessment of oral health was directly correlated with higher satisfaction (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: While interpersonal relationships are a significant strength, administrative inefficiencies and inadequate facilities undermine overall satisfaction. To improve the patient experience, strategic interventions must focus on optimizing appointment systems, streamlining administrative processes, and upgrading welfare amenities, alongside maintaining high standards of communication and clinical care. Improving infrastructural and welfare facilities is essential to elevate the overall patient experience.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included 440 patients referred to Isfahan Dental School in 2024. A validated questionnaire based on previous instruments measured satisfaction in four domains: interpersonal factors, accessibility, facilities, and service quality. Data were analyzed using T-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation.
Results: TThe mean total satisfaction score was 71.12 ± 11.54 out of 100, indicating a "moderately desirable" level. Satisfaction was highest for interpersonal factors (84.06 ± 13), particularly the respectful behavior of students and faculty. The lowest score was for accessibility (61.45 ± 15), mainly due to long waiting times. Welfare facilities also scored low. A significant inverse relationship was found between the patient's education level and satisfaction (P < 0.001). Conversely, a positive self-assessment of oral health was directly correlated with higher satisfaction (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: While interpersonal relationships are a significant strength, administrative inefficiencies and inadequate facilities undermine overall satisfaction. To improve the patient experience, strategic interventions must focus on optimizing appointment systems, streamlining administrative processes, and upgrading welfare amenities, alongside maintaining high standards of communication and clinical care. Improving infrastructural and welfare facilities is essential to elevate the overall patient experience.
Highlights
Imane Asgari: PubMed, Google Scholar
Reihane Mobini: PubMed
Keywords
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