The Relationship Between Quality Cost Conversations and Dental Visit Satisfaction: Findings from an Online Survey of US Adults
Abstract
Background. Cost conversations between patients and providers have been identified as vital to patient-centered care. Within the dental care setting, however, the role of cost conversations in enhancing patient experience and outcomes remain unexplored. This study examines the association between the quality of cost conversations between patients and providers on patients’ satisfaction in dental care settings.
Methods. The study was a cross-sectional study using data from 370 US adults who had received dental care in the past 24 months at the time of the survey. Data were collected through an online, self-administered survey in August 2021. The outcome of interest was respondents’ satisfaction with their last dental visit, measured as a dichotomous variable. The quality of cost conversations was measured with a composite score derived from a validated 7-item scale, which evaluated whether best practice guidelines for conducting cost conversations in healthcare settings were adhered to during the respondents’ last dental visit. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression that controlled for patient and provider characteristics. Statistical significance was assessed at p<0.05.
Results. After controlling for patient and provider characteristics, the quality of cost conversations was positively associated with dental visit satisfaction (Odds Ratio (OR)= 7.39; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 2.88 - 18.98). Other covariates positively associated with dental visit satisfaction included receiving care at a private dental clinic or practice (compared to public clinic: OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.07 - 3.87) and from a dental hygienist (compared to family or general dentist: OR = 3.82; 95% CI = 1.16 - 12.48).
Conclusion. The study’s findings suggest that quality cost conversations between providers and patients can play a key role in enhancing patient satisfaction in dental care settings. This research bears implications for efforts to enhance patients’ experience and outcomes in oral health settings.
Keywords
Keywords: cost conversations, patient satisfaction, dental care, patient experience, oral health
The Relationship Between Quality Cost Conversations and Dental Visit Satisfaction: Findings from an Online Survey of US Adults
Background. Cost conversations between patients and providers have been identified as vital to patient-centered care. Within the dental care setting, however, the role of cost conversations in enhancing patient experience and outcomes remain unexplored. This study examines the association between the quality of cost conversations between patients and providers on patients’ satisfaction in dental care settings.
Methods. The study was a cross-sectional study using data from 370 US adults who had received dental care in the past 24 months at the time of the survey. Data were collected through an online, self-administered survey in August 2021. The outcome of interest was respondents’ satisfaction with their last dental visit, measured as a dichotomous variable. The quality of cost conversations was measured with a composite score derived from a validated 7-item scale, which evaluated whether best practice guidelines for conducting cost conversations in healthcare settings were adhered to during the respondents’ last dental visit. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression that controlled for patient and provider characteristics. Statistical significance was assessed at p<0.05.
Results. After controlling for patient and provider characteristics, the quality of cost conversations was positively associated with dental visit satisfaction (Odds Ratio (OR)= 7.39; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 2.88 - 18.98). Other covariates positively associated with dental visit satisfaction included receiving care at a private dental clinic or practice (compared to public clinic: OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.07 - 3.87) and from a dental hygienist (compared to family or general dentist: OR = 3.82; 95% CI = 1.16 - 12.48).
Conclusion. The study’s findings suggest that quality cost conversations between providers and patients can play a key role in enhancing patient satisfaction in dental care settings. This research bears implications for efforts to enhance patients’ experience and outcomes in oral health settings.
