Differences in dimensions of satisfaction with private and public dental care among children

Copyright © 2001 F D I World Dental PressUnlabelledMeasures of patient satisfaction have application in understanding patient behaviour, and in evaluating dental providers, services, and facilities. Further, differences in delivery systems may be reflected in variation between the component dimensions of satisfaction.AimThe aim of this study was to compare perceptions of satisfaction with care provided by the School Dental Service (SDS) and private dentists.DesignA three-stage cross-sectional survey was conducted during 1993-94. This analysis is based on Stage 2 of the study (n=2,792 participants, response rate=78.0%).SettingSchools in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia.ParticipantsParents and schoolchildren.Interventions/methodsMailed self-complete questionnaires.Main outcome measuresThe Dental Satisfaction Index (DSI) and component subscales.ResultsOverall satisfaction using the DSI showed no significant difference between SDS users and users of private dental care. Parents of children using the SDS had lower satisfaction scores for 'general satisfaction', 'quality', 'access', and 'continuity', but had higher satisfaction scores for the dimensions of 'cost' and 'availability' (OLS regression; PConclusionsOverall satisfaction was high and did not vary by provider group, but there was variation in the component dimensions of satisfaction.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&uid=11569667&cmd=showdetailview&indexed=googl