| Abstract: | ![]()
Increased information on dentistry in the mass media in recent years may have caused changes in patients' attitudes toward dental care. To better understand patient' attitudes, we conducted a questionnaire survey of patients on the first visit to our hospital. Of 384 responses, 196 were eligible for statistical analysis. The following findings were obtained. 1. Among the motives for visiting a dental clinic, "Manifestation of pain or symptoms" was given by majority (85.7%) of respondents, followed by "detection of abnormality" (20.4%). The percentage of patients wanting treatment of "any part suggested by the dentist" was highest (35.7%), followed by those expecting "treatment including cleaning" (30.1%). The above results indicate that patients still tend to visit a clinical after subjective symptoms appear and leave the content of treatment to the dentist. However, an increasing number of patients appear to be concerned with their oral condition and visit a clinic before manifestation of symptoms. 2. Among factors in selecting their dentist, "expertise" obtained the highest percentage, 87.2%, followed by "providing prompt treatment" (38.8%) and "trying to avoid pain" (32.1%), in that order. Dissatisfaction with dentists was described as "no explanation of treatment" in 57.1%, "lack of sympathetic attitude" in 38.3% and "easily resorts to tooth extraction" in 35.4%. These results suggest that patients expect good human relations with their dentists, sufficient explanations of treatments and sympathetic consideration, as well as expertise. 3. The majority of patients (85.7%) hoped to receive instructions on oral hygiene and to be increased interest in information above prophylaxis. Meeting their needs will remain a future issue for dentists. |
