Evaluation of direct coronal Tooth restorations for quality and patient satisfaction in public dental clinics, Dar es salaam Tanzania

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.