Introduction;
Understanding patient behavior is important to
ensure good clinical outcomes for patients and
efficient use of resources. Few studies have
investigated compliance of patients attending
a general dental clinic with treatment requiring
multiple visits. In Japan, general dental practitioners
are the main providers of dental treatment. The
objective of this study was to analyze information
from dental patients first visit, with their subsequent
attendance.
Methods;
The study involved 450 adult participants.
Associations between data obtained from selfcompleted
questionnaires, oral examination and
subsequent attendance, were tested by logistic
regression analyses. The main outcome examined
was whether the patient failed to attend for further
treatment (cancellation without notice).
Results;
The most common reason for subjects’ initial visit
was for a dental problem with definite symptoms.
Cancellation without notice was significantly
higher in younger patients, those without referrals,
those with non-responses to medical questions,
had severe periodontal disease and two or more
decayed teeth.
Discussion;
Certain patient characteristics are associated with
the probability of subsequent failure to complete
treatment. Those that present with two or more
decayed teeth may be a useful indicator of requiring
more intensive motivational intervention to prevent
the risk of failing to complete dental treatment.
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