Challenges of Future Patient Recruitment: A Cross-Sectional Study in Conservative Dentistry Teaching

Background: Direct clinical training on real patients is essential in dental education. However, the declining patient inflow increasingly challenges this objective. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess patients' experiences and preferences to derive recommendations for improving patient recruitment. Material and Methods: Over a period of one year, patients treated by students in the courses and final examinations at the dental school of conservative dentistry were questioned using a specially designed questionnaire and reviewed using their medical records. They were asked about their complete treatment process, and patient files were used to record socio-demographic as well as economic and appointment-specific data. Results: We analysed 297 patients (142 women, 47.8%; 155 men, 52.2%) treated by undergraduates across two semesters (four courses) and two final examinations. Median age was 57.0 years (IQR 46-67; mean 55.2, SD 15.2; range 14-85) with no sex-based difference (p > 0.05). Arrival was predominantly by car (72.7%, n = 216); median one-way distance was 20.5 km (IQR 11.2-32.1); and 58.4% were employed, while 41.6% were not employed (33.7% retired, 7.9% unemployed). The leading reason for course attendance was "satisfaction with previous treatments" (65.32%). Information sources were reported by 290/297 (98%); the most common was already being a course patient (143, 48.1%). Most patients attended one appointment (109, 36.7%). Median travel cost per appointment (including parking) was €17.0 (typically €10.0-€23.5). Of 285 respondents, 93.68% answered "Yes" to satisfaction with student treatment. Conclusions: Important steps include enhancing parking facilities, optimizing recall systems and appointment accessibility, and strengthening relationships with regular patients to encourage word-of-mouth referrals. The main focus is to maintain high clinical quality, ensure affordability, and further reduce patient copayments where possible.