Patient satisfaction levels for complete dentures (F/F) delivered by undergraduate dental students

Abstract

One important aspect of acceptance of full denture treatment is that of patient’s perceived outcome. A teaching environment is the best place for future clinicians to understand this aspect of treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the satisfaction levels of patients who received complete dentures delivered by undergraduate dental students at the University of Otago. Participants’ attitude toward dentures was measured via a 16-item questionnaire based on Patient’s Denture Assessment (PDA) questionnaire. It comprises of items that assessed factors related to dentures and was quantified on a four-point scale. A total of 60 edentulous patients wearing maxillary and mandibular dentures were recruited then contacted using a list of patients whose treatment were carried out and completed in the undergraduate clinic from 2010-2018 and were sent an explanatory letter, an informed consent form, and a self-administered questionnaire in a return envelope to the University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry. Bivariate analysis was then carried out on the responses. 55% of the invited participants responded to the survey. The mean extent of PDA impacts was 0.15 (range 0.0-0.71). There were no significant differences in the experience of the prevalence and extent of PDA impacts by gender and age. 81.8% reported their denture to be very important to them and 91% found it “very easy” or “easy” to eat and swallow. 88% enjoyed their meals “well” or “very well”. Bivariate analysis showed those aged 70 years old or younger were less likely to report issues with the denture, while there was no statically significant difference between genders. Overall, the participants expressed satisfaction with the treatment received at the faculty over the sub-groups of function, speech/aesthetics, upper denture, lower denture, and considered the denture to be of high importance.