Monitoring patient satisfaction with university dental services under two fee-paying systems

Aims: The aim of this survey was to study patients' satisfaction with the dental service of a university in Hong Kong under a recently introduced item-based fee-paying system and reasons for non-attendance at the clinic; and to compare results of the present survey with that of a similar survey of the same dental service under a time-based fee-paying system in 1996. Method: A modified Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of students (n=194) in their lecture rooms and they were asked to complete the questionnaire on the spot. The same questionnaire was sent to a random sample of staff and their spouses (n=207) by mail. Results: Dental Satisfaction Index (DSI) scores calculated from the returned questionnaires were 66 for students and 70 for staff and their spouses. Compared to the scores in 1996, there was no significant difference for that of the students (DSI=65 in 1996) but there was a significant improvement in that of the staff and their spouses (DSI=66 in 1996). Moreover, in the present survey, "busy/no time" and "no perceived dental problem" were the major reasons for non-attendance, in contrast to "long waiting time for an appointment" in the 1996 survey, were the major reasons for non-attendance. Conclusion: The recent attempts by the University Dental Clinic to shorten patient waiting time and the change in fee-paying system might have improved the patients' satisfaction with the service.