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Effect of Empathetic Dental Providers on Patient Dental Anxiety and Follow-up Appointments
Mina, Samuel
Mina, Samuel
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Thesis/Dissertation
Date
2024-05
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Oral Biology
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http://dx.doi.org/10.34944/dspace/10231
Abstract
Purpose: Empathy is a critical component of patient-centered care, and research has shown that itpositively impacts patient outcomes. This study examined the relationship between patient-rated
provider empathy following a dental visit and subsequent adherence to follow-up visits.
Method: Participants were recruited through outreach phone calls. Participants completed the
Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale
(MDAS). Univariate analyses (e.g., mean, percentages) and bivariate analyses (e.g., correlation and
t-tests) were used. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between patient-rated
empathy and attendance at follow-up appointments while controlling for potential confounding
factors.
Results: Participants included 148 patients seeking dental care at Temple University Kornberg
School of Dentistry (TUKSoD). Participants were 43% male and 57% female, predominantly
comprising Black or African American race (57%), and with a mean age of 50 years (SD=17.2).
Participants had minimal dental anxiety based on MDAS scores (M=9.36, SD=4.47). Patients rated
their providers highly empathic (M=46.67, SD=6.47, Range = 16-50). Based on the CARE
measure, the participants who rated their dentists lower on empathy had significantly higher rates
of cancelations (0.51 vs. 0.29, t=1.99, p=.049).
Conclusion: Patients who perceive lower provider empathy cancel appointments more frequently,
thus requiring a higher number of scheduled apportionments to complete treatment. Dentists who
utilize empathy skills are likely to reduce scheduling disruptions.
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