[Satisfied patients?].

Abstract

This paper examines the difficult question how satisfied patients are with dental services. Scientific research shows that this is hard to measure. Five issues affect dental satisfaction, of which interpersonal and psychosocial factors are reported as being among the most important factors. Two case reports of dissatisfied patients are presented. It is emphasized that adequate counseling skills of the dentist, his evaluation of the expectations and wishes of the patient at the beginning of the treatment, and a sound dental, medical and psychosocial anamnesis are crucial for preventing dental dissatisfaction among patients.