Shared Decision-Making, Dental Visit Satisfaction, and Intention to Return Among Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
This cross-sectional study of 473 adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, demonstrates that shared decision-making is strongly and positively associated with dental visit satisfaction and the intention to return, highlighting the need to move beyond mere information provision to actively involve patients in treatment decisions to enhance patient-centered care.
Original paper licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This is an AI-generated explanation of the paper below. It is not written or endorsed by the authors. For technical accuracy, refer to the original paper. Read full disclaimer
In the modern world of healthcare, the relationship between a doctor and a patient has shifted from a simple order-giving dynamic to a partnership. This approach, known as shared decision-making, is the practice where a medical professional and a patient sit down together to discuss treatment options, weighing the risks and benefits while considering the patient's own values and preferences. It is not just about handing a patient a brochure; it is about actively inviting them to help choose the path forward. In fields like dentistry, where treatments can range from necessary repairs to cosmetic changes, this collaboration is especially vital. When patients feel heard and involved, they are more likely to trust their care, stick to their treatment plans, and feel satisfied with the outcome. Yet, in many places, the gap between simply giving information and truly involving a patient in the final choice remains wide. Understanding where this gap exists and how it affects a patient's willingness to return for future care is a question that health administrators and providers are eager to answer.
Researchers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, recently set out to explore this very dynamic within the local dental community. They wanted to know if the level of collaboration a patient experienced during a visit influenced how satisfied they felt and whether they intended to return to that same clinic. To find out, the team conducted a survey between March and April 2024, gathering responses from 473 adults who had visited a dentist within the previous year. The participants, who were recruited through social media and professional networks, answered questions about their recent dental experiences. The researchers used two specific tools to measure their findings: one scale to gauge how happy patients were with their visit, and another to measure how much they felt they participated in making decisions about their treatment. The survey asked about everything from how clearly the dentist explained the procedure to whether the patient felt comfortable expressing their own wishes.
The results painted a clear picture of a generally positive experience, but with a distinct nuance. On average, patients reported being quite satisfied with their dental visits, with most feeling that the dentist was competent, thorough, and concerned about their pain. They also felt they received enough information about their oral condition and what to expect. However, when the researchers looked deeper into the shared decision-making aspect, a pattern emerged. While most patients agreed that they understood the need for a decision and were willing to be involved, fewer felt that they actually got to the point of stating their specific preferences or choosing a treatment option together with the dentist. It appeared that while dentists were good at explaining the options, the final step of actively co-creating the plan was less common.
Despite this gap, the study found a powerful link between how involved a patient felt and how satisfied they were. The data showed that the more a patient felt they were part of the decision-making process, the higher their satisfaction scores were. This relationship held true regardless of whether the patient visited a government clinic or a private one, though patients in private clinics reported slightly higher satisfaction overall after other factors were considered. The age of the patient also played a role, with middle-aged adults reporting lower satisfaction levels than younger adults. Crucially, the study revealed that satisfaction was the strongest factor in predicting whether a patient would return to the same clinic. But even after accounting for satisfaction, the act of shared decision-making itself remained a significant predictor of a patient's intention to return. In other words, a patient who felt they were a true partner in their care was more likely to come back, even if their general satisfaction with the visit was similar to someone who was less involved.
The researchers noted that their study had limitations, primarily because it relied on people remembering their visits from up to a year ago and because it measured what people said they would do, not what they actually did. They also acknowledged that their sample included more women and private clinic patients than the general population, which might affect how broadly the results apply. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that for dental care to truly meet patient needs, providers must move beyond simply providing information. The evidence points to a need for a more structured approach that encourages patients to voice their preferences and actively participate in the final choice. By bridging the gap between explaining options and inviting collaboration, dental professionals can not only improve the patient experience but also foster a stronger, more lasting relationship that encourages patients to return for the care they need.
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