Factors affecting patient satisfaction at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Dental Clinic.

Background: Satisfaction is important in dental care because satisfaction with care alleviates dental anxiety, influences patients' compliance and is an important indicator of quality of care.

Objective: This study was designed to determine the factors that contribute to satisfaction with dental care among patients attending the Lagos State University (LASUTH) Dental Clinic.

Methods: Across-sectional, descriptive questionnaire-based survey was conducted among adult patients attending the LASUTH Dental Clinic. The questionnaire, a modification of the Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ), contained 19 items on a Likert-pattern scale with scores ranging from 0 to 4.

Results: The scores obtained for satisfaction with the dental services ranged from 19 to 75 with a mean of 55.30 +/- 11.55. The majority of respondents (305 or 87.4%) were satisfied with the services received. The items generating the highest and lowest mean satisfaction score were cleanliness/comfort of the facility and cost of services respectively. Long waiting time was the item respondents liked least about the services. There was a statistically significant relationship between the items assessing communication and respondent's gender (p = 0.001). The relationship between the overall satisfaction score and gender (p = 0.233), age category (p = 0.842) and educational status (p = 0.565) were not statistically significant.

Conclusions: The results indicate a high level of satisfaction with services provided at the LASUTH Dental Clinic. However, there is need for improvement in communication with patients and reduction in waiting time.