Abstract
Background: This study seeks to explore the relationship of service quality, brand image, perceived value, service satisfaction and loyalty in China’s private dental clinics. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey study, being conducted in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China in January 2019. The participants were selected by convenience sampling method. A total of 230 residents were surveyed. Among them, 125 had received services in private dental clinics, being the valid sample of this study. A multiple regression model was run to explore factors influencing patient loyalty. Subsequently, the path analysis was used to understand the relationship of service quality, brand image, perceived value, patient satisfaction, and patient loyalty. Results: After controlling for the effect of demographic and socio-economic variables, perceived value and patient satisfaction have significant influences on patient loyalty. The path analysis indicates the perceived value, perceived quality, and expected quality have direct effects on patient satisfaction, and have indirect effects on patient loyalty, with patient satisfaction as a mediator. Additionally, perceived value has a direct and indirect effect on patient satisfaction. Conclusion: This study helps managers in private dental clinics to gain support from customers through building customer loyalty towards dental clinics.