Assessment of socioeconomic profile and the level of satisfaction of patients assisted at an academic dental integrated clinic

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the patients’ socioeconomic profile and their satisfaction at the dental integrated clinic of Fortaleza University. Methods: A cross-sectional and quantitative study accomplished with 80 patients. A questionnaire was applied regarding: socioeconomic status, education level, the motive for requesting the service; reliability, empathy, receptivity, autonomy and resolution; prevention, root canal treatment, restoration, prosthesis, tooth extraction and dental scaling. Results: A patients’ profile consisting predominantly of females 71.2% (n=57), who completed Fundamental education 36.2% (n=29) or Average education 45% (n=36)was observed. Moreover, 50% (n=40) of them presented a family income of 1 to 2 minimum salaries, 41.2% (n=33) were unemployed and 43.8% (n=39) reached for the service for not having financial conditions. As for the quality of the rendered technical service, 72.5% (n=58) of the users relied on it; 93.7% (n=75) identified themselves with the professional and 96.2% (n=77) were satisfied with the treatment. For 92.5% (n=74) of the interviewed, the students showed to be receptive and for 93.7% (n=75), they seemed to respect the patient’s opinion. Regarding technical satisfaction, 96.2% (n=77) received orientation on tooth brushing and concerning the different specialties, the users referred to be greatly satisfied with root canal treatment 83% (n=49), restoration 84.2% (n=48), prosthesis 78,7% (n=26), tooth extraction 72,5% (n=29) and dental scaling 70% (n=28). Conclusion: The patients’ socioeconomic profile is of low income population. The users were satisfied with the interpersonal relations developed by the students, as well as with the final quality of the rendered services. NCT 00690599