Last update:
22-Mar-2023

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the satisfaction of patients using public dental services, and their willingness to pay for various dental procedures in the Prefecture of Drama.

METHOD A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to February 2020, in the public services facilities where primary dental care is provided in the Prefecture of Drama. A questionnaire comprising 51 questions was used, answered on a 5-point Likert scale, covering demographic information, satisfaction with dental and nursing care, the administrative services, the facilities, accessibility and overall satisfaction, and willingness to pay. Of 120 questionnaires distributed to patients, 100 were completed (response rate: 83%). Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS), version 25.0.

RESULTS Patient satisfaction was particularly high (92%); 97% of the patients reported they would visit public dental services again, and 51% that they would prefer to visit the private dental sector. Regarding payment, 2% of patients volunteered a fee while 75% were willing to pay a fee for dental prostheses at an average cost of 124.3±75.3 €, 72% at an average of 484.7±367.5 €, and 73% would pay for orthodontic work at an average of 62.2±65.7 € for endodontic work. Additionally, 41.7% and 41.1%, respectively, of patients with an income of 501–1,000 € would pay a fee if orthodontic work or endodontic treatment was needed, while only 6.9% and 6.8%, respectively, with an income of over € 2,001 would pay a fee if orthodontic work or endodontic treatment was needed.

CONCLUSIONS Patient satisfaction with public primary dental care services in the Prefecture of Drama is very high, while willingness to pay is correlated only with educational level.

Key words: Dental care services, Patient satisfaction, Prefecture of Drama, Willingness to pay.