Correlation between the expectations of patients and their new complete removable dentures, constructed by undergraduate students

Abstract

Most edentulous patients have expectations regarding complete dentures which may impact on their levels of satisfaction. AIM: To determine whether their expectations influence the satisfaction of patients with new complete dentures constructed by undergraduate dental students. OBJECTIVES: 1. To determine the expectations of patients prior to their receiving new complete dentures. 2. To determine whether those expectations influence satisfaction with the new dentures. METHODOLOGY This observational study used data collected using two questionnaires: Patient Expectation and Oral Health Impact Profile-20. The codings of the questionnaires were aligned to facilitate correlation between the feedback obtained from patients. RESULTS:The sample comprised 100 patients, whose ages ranged between 56-65 years with a majority of females (72%); 85% were of coloured ethnicity. Reliability testing of the Patient Expectation Questionnaire was completed. Oral Health Impact Profile-20 results showed high levels of satisfaction in most domains. Statistical correlation between patients' expectations and satisfaction with new complete dentures was not proven. However, comparison between patient expectations and satisfaction showed positive results. CONCLUSION: Patients' high expectations were met or even exceeded in certain domains. A statistical relationship between patient expectations and satisfaction was not demonstrated, but analysis yielded positive results without any association between the two variables.