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released: 23 Dec 2005 author: AIHW Dental Statistics and Research Unit

This report provides information on aspects of satisfaction with recent dental visits. The level of satisfaction recorded shows the extent to which care received meets the needs and expectations of the patient. Care that is less satisfactory to the consumer is likely to be less effective. Differences by age groups, place of last visit, self-reported dental health and perceived need for a dental visit, cost satisfaction and language spoken at home are presented.

Cat. no. AIHW 10181; 4pp.; Internet only

 Summary

Lower levels of dental satisfaction were reported by:

  • younger age groups;
  • cardholders who received their most recent dental care at a public clinic;
  • those in poorer dental health;
  • those who reported that they needed a dental visit within 3 months and
  • those who speak a language other than English at home.

Cost satisfaction was low, particularly among uninsured cardholders and non-cardholders who attended private practices.

The strongest predictors of higher satisfaction scores were age and the last dental visit being at a private practice rather than a public clinic. Personal financial constraints had negative associations with all satisfaction scales.

Recommended citation

AIHW Dental Statistics and Research Unit 2005. Satisfaction with dental care 2002. Diabetes series 21. Cat. no. AIHW 10181. Canberra: AIHW. Viewed 12 June 2013 <http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=6442467797>.