Dunne, Eugene M.2024-06-052024-06-052024-05http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12613/10269Purpose: 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.35 pagesengIN COPYRIGHT- This Rights Statement can be used for an Item that is in copyright. Using this statement implies that the organization making this Item available has determined that the Item is in copyright and either is the rights-holder, has obtained permission from the rights-holder(s) to make their Work(s) available, or makes the Item available under an exception or limitation to copyright (including Fair Use) that entitles it to make the Item available.http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/DentistryText157292024-05-25Mina_temple_0225M_15729.pdf