Oral health-related quality of life and satisfaction after root canal treatment according to operator expertise: A longitudinal prospective study

Introduction: Although the success rate of conventional root canal treatment is 70%–95%, patient satisfaction varies depending on various factors. Patient satisfaction and quality of life (QOL) are suspected to differ depending on the level of operator expertise. We investigated factors affecting the QOL and satisfaction of patients after root canal treatment performed by students, postgraduates, and specialists. Materials and Methods: The Oral Health Impact Profile survey (OHIP-17), seven semantic differential scales, and a radiographic assessment sheet were used in this study. The validity of the Arabic version of OHIP-17 was demonstrated by calculating the kappa statistic (0.95). The sample size was 250 patients; 63, 91, and 96 of whom were treated by specialists, graduates, and undergraduate students, respectively. Using the OHIP-17, an independent examiner interviewed each patient before and 2 weeks after treatment; patient satisfaction was assessed using a differential scale at the same time points. Radiographic assessments were conducted preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively by two independent radiographers. Results: The responses to most OHIP-17 questions showed no significant differences pre- and post-treatment. However, three, four, and two items were significantly different pre- and post-treatment in the undergraduate, graduate, and specialist groups, respectively. A P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Conclusion: Root canal treatment improved the QOL of the patients. The findings will help dentists to understand patient perception and thus improve the holistic value of endodontic care