Patient Satisfaction with Orthodontic Services at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the level of satisfaction of the patients with the orthodontic treatment received at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja and to compare the responses with the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents.
Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the orthodontic clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. A structured self administered questionnaire was used for data collection. A 58-item satisfaction questionnaire was used to obtain information on 4 satisfaction subscales.
Results: Female respondents had higher mean satisfaction scores in the subscales of situational aspects; doctor-patient relationship and Dento-facial/psychosocial improvement Male respondents however had higher mean scores in the dental function subscale. Satisfaction with orthodontic services was significantly associated with gender (p= 0.031), age (p= 0.000) and with level of education (p= 0.005). 34% of those that were dissatisfied complained of unbearable pain while 29.5% were uncomfortable with the long duration of treatment.
Conclusions: There is a need to improve the communication between dental staff and orthodontic patients, improve access to facilities and to reduce waiting time. There is also a need to educate the patients on the pain they may feel before the onset of treatment.