Public opinions on dentists in Norway

Interviews on the dentist-patient relationship were carried out among 1,221 persons representing the dentulous part of the Norwegian population aged 15 and over. Two thirds of the interviewees said that their dentists explained the treatment plan, and of these, every second interviewee received reasons for the treatment. One third said they discussed different treatment alternatives with the dentist. One third of the respondents said that the dentist had urged them to clean their teeth thoroughly and to use fluoride. Inly a minority thought that the dentist had sought to influence their dietary habits. When asked to give priority to alternative characteristics and qualities of dentists, accuracy and professional skills were those ranked the highest. Carefulness, willingness to listen and to discuss dental problems, and finally effective working habits were the qualities ranked thereafter. Out of the sample, 96% thought that their dentist did very good or good work, and 82% wanted to choose their own dentist.