College of Dentistry or Private Practice: A Patient Survey

Abstract

Colleges of Dentistry (COD) and Dental Hygiene Programs (DHP) rely on patients to help educate students and graduate competent dental professionals. In this era of competition for patients, consumer awareness, and customer satisfaction, COD/DHPs must understand and cater to the needs of consumers to attract more patients and retain its existing patient population. It is important to understand why consumers choose a COD/DHP versus private practice and capitalize on these features.

Objectives. The objectives of this study are to evaluate reasons why patients chose a COD/DHP and to assess patient satisfaction with their services.

Methods. Patients at The Ohio State University COD, scheduled with first and second year dental hygiene students, were randomly selected to complete a survey regarding why they chose the COD/DHP and to rate their experiences via a 5-point Likert scale.

Results. Forty-seven subjects completed the survey (24 male, 23 female; mean age 49.5 yrs.). Fifty-five percent of subjects chose the COD/DHP due to cost of dental treatment, and 21% thought their care would be more thorough and would receive better treatment than in private practice. Subjects stated they received good to excellent care, and 99% would recommend the COD/DHP for oral healthcare needs. One-way ANOVA showed no significant difference in the level of satisfaction between males and females and Spearman's Correlation showed moderate correlation (r=0.263) between age and satisfaction, but no correlation between educational level and satisfaction.

Conclusions. The majority of patients attended the COD/DHP for financial reasons and perception of better care. Subjects surveyed were very satisfied with their experience at the COD/DHP. Satisfied patients are more likely to be compliant with their oral health, use services of the COD/DHP on a regular basis, and are a source of referrals.

This project was supported by The Ohio State University COD Summer Student Research Program.