Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction Following Simple Tooth Extraction in a Nigerian Secondary Health Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: While studies on satisfaction following medical procedures are well documented in the literature but this is not so with dental procedures. Therefore, this study aims to determine the level of satisfaction in patient undergoing simple tooth extraction.

Materials and method: Consecutive patients attending the Outpatient Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from April to October, 2020 were interviewed using the modified Group Health Association of America-9 (mGHAA-9) questionnaire.

Results: A total number of 116 consecutive dental patients were recruited as they all agreed to participate in the study. The age range was 18-87 years with a mean age of 39.9 ± 6.7 years. The male to female ratio was 1:2. About two-thirds (66.4%) of the patients were satisfied with the waiting time to get their treatment done. Waiting time, and discomfort during the procedure accounted for over 80% of the dissatisfactions. Only 7(6.0%) of the patients said they will not like to have simple extraction done in our hospital. More than two-thirds (93.1%) answered that they will recommend our facility to their relatives.

Conclusion; The level of patient satisfaction following simple tooth extraction was generally good. The doctor’s conduct, staff disposition, and adequate explanation contributed more to the level of satisfaction while waiting time and comfort during the procedure contributed less.