The intersection of trust and satisfaction in Dentist-Patient interactions in Indonesia

Abstract

Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the similarities of two constructs of the doctor-patient relationship in terms of trust and satisfaction among patients receiving dental care in Makassar, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: The study involved 322 participants aged 18 years or older who had received dental treatment. The snowball sampling technique was used to recruit participants through online questionnaires distributed on various social media platforms. The questionnaires included demographic information and The Dentist Trust Scale (DTS) and Dental Care Satisfaction Scale (DCS) to measure trust and satisfaction with dental care. Data analysis involved Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis using SPSS and AMOS software. Results: Trust and satisfaction are interrelated, although the relationship was insignificant (0.36). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified three factors in these instruments. Four models were created and evaluated using model fit analysis. All default models display a GFI value that does not correspond to the universal threshold value. Model 1 had the greatest GFI value; hence, adjustments were performed to create models 1(a) and 1(b). The updated model did not produce a more appropriate value than the default model. Model 1 was picked as the model that best matched the requirements. Conclusion: The study findings highlight the importance of trust and satisfaction in dental care experiences among patients in Makassar City. The identified factors provide insights into different aspects of the doctor-patient relationship and can be used to improve the quality of care provided.