A review of satisfaction with dental service at a Jerusalem community clinic serving elderly patients

Abstract

The audit of dental satisfaction and its association with the reported outcome of a dental health care programme for elderly patients. A telephone survey of 162 patients in a Jerusalem municipal dental clinic for geriatric patients, who had completed a treatment course in oral rehabilitation. The average age of the respondents was 73.2 +/- 8.45 years, over 80% of who were very satisfied or satisfied with the treatment given by the dental clinic staff. Only 1.8% were not satisfied (the remaining 17.9% were unable to answer the question). Among those who responded, 91.6% were currently using their full dentures, 80.4% reported an improvement in chewing ability, and 82.3% an improvement in appearance. Respondents who reported daily use of dentures and improved chewing and appearance, also reported higher levels of satisfaction with the clinic. These results indicate a potentially important role of satisfaction with dental staff in optimal compliance and success of a geriatric oral health care programme.