Dissatisfaction with the dental services and associated factors among adults.

Abstract

This study aimed to identify factors associated with dissatisfaction with dental services among adults. It analyzed 830 adult participants of an epidemiological survey of oral health. The dependent variable was dissatisfaction with the dental service, and the independent ones were selected according to the theoretical model set forth by Andersen and Davidson (1997). Estimates were corrected by the sample design effect, and Binary Logistic Regression was carried out. It was found that about 11% of adults were dissatisfied with the dental service. In the final model, dissatisfaction with dental services was lower among older adults (OR = 0.559) and among smokers (OR = 0.332). On the other hand, it was higher among adults who self-perceived their chewing as negative (OR = 2,804), who self-perceived some discomfort in the mouth and head and neck region (OR = 2.065), and among those who did not have access to information on how to avoid oral problems (OR = 3.020). Therefore, the services need to access the perceptions and expectations expressed by users, and provide information in appropriate quantity and quality, in the context of "health literacy" in order to achieve greater satisfaction among its users.