Trust in dentist-patient relationships: mapping the relevant concepts

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Healthcare Communication
• Psychology in Dentistry

Background:

• Trust is fundamental in healthcare interactions.
• Understanding trust dynamics in dentist-patient relationships is essential for effective care.
• Existing research often provides normative suggestions rather than empirical evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and map concepts relevant to trust in dentist-patient relationships.
• To identify key concepts and frameworks for understanding trust development and utilization.
• To highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to assess trust in dental contexts.

Main Methods:

• A pragmatic, systematised searching protocol was employed.
• An iterative process of visual system mapping and reference compilation was used.
• Thematic analysis and interpretation of system maps informed the findings.

Main Results:

• Key concepts of trust were identified within three frameworks: continuum of study, beneficiaries, and transformational models.
• Visual system maps illustrate the complexity of trust in dentist-patient relationships.
• Trust is linked to patient-centered care and quality of care, sharing common underlying values.

Conclusions:

• Trust in dentist-patient relationships requires a multidisciplinary assessment due to interconnected concepts.
• Empirical evidence on trust in dental settings is insufficient.
• This review provides a guide for future research on trust in dentist-patient relationships.