Patient’s satisfaction with the treatment provided in Basrah Dental College between July 2022 and April 2023

Abstract

: This study aimed to assess patients' satisfaction with the dental care provided by undergraduate students, identify factors affecting satisfaction with the treatment, and gather recommendations for improving dental services. An observational study was conducted at the University of Basrah College of Dentistry between the first of July 2022 and the first of April 2023. The study involved patients who consented to participate and provided written informed consent. Ethical clearance was granted by the institution's Ethics Committee, and 348 participants were randomly selected from dental clinics to respond to the questionnaire. Forty per cent of the study participants were aged between 20-29, with 146 (41.9%) being male and 202 (58.1%) being female. One hundred and sixty-six (33.3%) of the patients were housewives, 324 (92%) were low to moderate-income earners, and 199 (57%) lived in the city center, while 149 (42.8%) lived in district and subdistrict areas. Two hundred and forty (68.9%) of patients felt that the treatment was either cheap or too cheap. Regarding the waiting room, patients were generally satisfied with all aspects except for the waiting time, with 290 (83.3%) finding it too long. An average of 88.3% of patients were satisfied with the treatment provided by the students, but only 64.4% were satisfied with the length of the treatment period. Only 28 (8%) of patients experienced postoperative complications, with 13 related to dental treatment and 12 expected. Additionally, 24 patients reported their complications to the students, while 12 patients experienced unexpected complications. Finally, 45.4% of patients returned to the college for further treatments.: While the patient expressed dissatisfaction with the long waiting and treatment times, most respondents expressed satisfaction with the treatment received, but improvements are necessary in certain areas.