The Impact of Age and Gender on Patient Grievances in a Dental Academic Setting: A 6-Year Analysis

Understanding patient grievances in dentistry is crucial for improving quality of care and patient-provider relationships.

A six-year study at a University dental clinic analysed all grievances filed by patients to identify associations with patient and provider characteristics, specifically age and gender. Grievances were categorised into clinical treatment, communication, behaviour, scheduling, and billing, and analysed using statistical software to examine demographic and complaint trends.

Of 33 472 patients, 423 (1.26%) filed grievances, with the majority related to clinical treatment and interpersonal interactions. Female and older patients were more likely to file grievances. Older patients were more likely to file grievances against male providers than female providers. No significant relationship was found between grievance type and patient or provider gender. Grievances related to interpersonal interactions were as frequent as those concerning clinical treatment.

Patient age and gender influence grievance patterns against dental providers, with female and older patients filing grievances at higher rates. Male providers were more likely to receive grievances from older patients compared to female providers. Grievances related to interpersonal interactions are as frequent as those related to clinical treatment.

Integrating communication training into dental education and professional development could help reduce patient grievances, particularly those related to interpersonal interactions. Addressing provider-patient dynamics may improve patient satisfaction and overall quality of care.