Recall and understanding of risk in endodontics: A questionnaire survey

The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the quantity and quality of information recalled by patients following endodontic consultations and their effect on anxiety. New patients attending the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne and University of Melbourne Dental Clinic were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing the amount of information retained following their consultation, determining a patient's threshold for information disclosure and the effect of the consultation on patient anxiety. Only 9% of patients recalled more than two complications. Males (P = 0.02), patients older than 65 years (P < 0.001), and patients with education limited to high school (P < 0.001) recalled significantly less information. Most respondents (71.3%) wanted information about complications with a prevalence of less than 1%. Only 11 patients (8%) developed more anxiety as a consequence of the consultation. Patients had overall poor recall of complications following endodontic consultations.