Abstract:
Background
Evaluation of quality of restorations provided to Tanzanians has never been done hence
standards of the restorations remains unknown. Patient satisfaction with restorations which is
an important aspect of quality of care assessment has also never been done. To ensure quality
restorative care is provided it is mandatory to assess quality of restorations as well as patient
satisfaction with restorations received.
Objective
To evaluate quality of direct coronal restorations and determine patient satisfaction with the
restorations placed at dental clinics within Dar es Salaam city.
Material and methods
A cross sectional study was conducted between June and December 2009 at Muhimbili
National Hospital (MNH), Mwananyamala, Temeke, and Mnazi mmoja dental clinics.
Modified USPHS Ryge 1980 criteria and patient satisfaction questionnaire were used to assess
technical quality of the restorations and patient satisfaction, respectively. Quality of
restorations and patient satisfaction data was analysed using SPSS version 14 program.
Results
A total of 200 patients with majority being females (71.5%) were enrolled. The participants
had 516 direct coronal restorations of which 48% were amalgam restorations. Sixty three
percent of the examined restorations were of acceptable quality. The most frequent reason for
unacceptable restorations was colour mismatch (45.7%) followed by restoration overhangs
(26.0%) and faulty contact point (22.7%). Secondary caries and apical periodontitis were
found on 10.5% and 7% of the restorations respectively. Sixty six percent of patients were
satisfied with their restorations with older patients (above 50 years) more satisfied than
younger patients.
