General dental practices with and without a dental therapist: a survey of appointment activities and patient satisfaction with their care

Aim The aim of this study was to survey patient satisfaction with dental care delivered in general practice and to compare the results with those obtained five years earlier using the same questionnaire. Methodology A previously piloted patient satisfaction questionnaire was distributed to consecutive adult patients of one dentist at two general dental practices on completion of restorative or surgical treatment. The results were compared with those achieved by the same dentist using the same questionnaire five years previously during vocational training (VT). Results Thirty-nine questionnaires were distributed at one practice and 31 at the second. Thirty (77%) were returned at the first practice and 23 (74%) at the second. There were no statistically significant differences in answers to the questions between the two practices. The two sets of results were combined and compared with results from the previous survey. There was a statistically significant improvement ( P<0.05) since the first survey for attributes relating to conveying cost information. There was a moderate correlation between patient perception of professionalism, oral hygiene advice and empathy and the patient's intent on returning for further services and recommending the dentist to others. Conclusion It appeared that patient satisfaction with dental care marginally increased with postgraduate experience gained over five years since VT by the dentist concerned. Patients’ perception of the quality of dental care provision and their intent on re-accessing a dental service may be associated with a practitioner's professionalism, empathy and delivery of oral hygiene advice.

Download Full-text

A survey of intramural dental practices in United States Dental Schools

Journal of Dental Education ◽

10.1002/j.0022-0337.1973.37.1.tb00634.x ◽

1973 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 26-29

Author(s):

EM Speed ◽

A Wolff ◽

JH Barr ◽

JL Bomba ◽

RW Rule

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Dental Practices ◽

Dental Schools

Download Full-text

A comparison of patient satisfaction among current and former dental school patients

Journal of Dental Education ◽

10.1002/j.0022-0337.2000.64.6.tb03359.x ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 64 (6) ◽

pp. 409-415 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

JM Butters ◽

DO Willis

Keyword(s):

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Dental School

Download Full-text

Improving Communication Skills in Health Care

Perspectives on Communication Disorders and Sciences in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations ◽

10.1044/cds20.3.109 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 109-117

Author(s):

Lynda Katz Wilner ◽

Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Communication Skills ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Skills Training ◽

International Medical Graduate ◽

Medical Graduate ◽

Health Care Environment ◽

Medical Interpreters ◽

Accent Modification

Hospital reimbursements are linked to patient satisfaction surveys, which are directly related to interpersonal communication between provider and patient. In today’s health care environment, interactions are challenged by diversity — Limited English proficient (LEP) patients, medical interpreters, International Medical Graduate (IMG) physicians, nurses, and support staff. Accent modification training for health care professionals can improve patient satisfaction and reduce adverse events. Surveys were conducted with medical interpreters and trainers of medical interpreting programs to determine the existence and support for communication skills training, particularly accent modification, for interpreters and non-native English speaking medical professionals. Results of preliminary surveys suggest the need for these comprehensive services. 60.8% believed a heavy accent, poor diction, or a different dialect contributed to medical errors or miscommunication by a moderate to significant degree. Communication programs should also include cultural competency training to optimize patient care outcomes. Examples of strategies for training are included.

Download Full-text

Teletinnitus Program at the VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System

Perspectives on Telepractice ◽

10.1044/teles4.1.23 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 23-29

Author(s):

Constance Hilory Tomberlin

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Patient Care ◽

Health Care System ◽

Gulf Coast ◽

New Technology ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Veterans Health ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

Care System

There are a multitude of reasons that a teletinnitus program can be beneficial, not only to the patients, but also within the hospital and audiology department. The ability to use technology for the purpose of tinnitus management allows for improved appointment access for all patients, especially those who live at a distance, has been shown to be more cost effective when the patients travel is otherwise monetarily compensated, and allows for multiple patient's to be seen in the same time slots, allowing for greater access to the clinic for the patients wishing to be seen in-house. There is also the patient's excitement in being part of a new technology-based program. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (GCVHCS) saw the potential benefits of incorporating a teletinnitus program and began implementation in 2013. There were a few hurdles to work through during the beginning organizational process and the initial execution of the program. Since the establishment of the Teletinnitus program, the GCVHCS has seen an enhancement in patient care, reduction in travel compensation, improvement in clinic utilization, clinic availability, the genuine excitement of the use of a new healthcare media amongst staff and patients, and overall patient satisfaction.

Download Full-text