Dental care satisfaction: the reliability and validity of the DSQ in a low-income population

Studies examining satisfaction with dental health care among the poor are quite rare. This study was done to confirm the internal structure and reliability of the Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ), a measure of dental care satisfaction, among a low-income population, and provide normative data regarding dental satisfaction among low-income people.

Subjects were 895 mothers of school-aged children who were administered the DSQ as part of a larger study of dental utilization and dental fears in Seattle.

Factor analysis largely confirmed the factor structure of the DSQ. Results also suggested subjects in this sample were less satisfied with pain management than nonpoor people. Self-reported dental health and dental appearance were associated with satisfaction with pain management, quality of care, access to care, and overall satisfaction. Race/ethnicity, education level, marital status, nation of origin, and type of insurance predicted differences in satisfaction with pain management and access.

Barriers to dental care and quality of care among low-income populations are discussed. Uses and research with the DSQ are suggested.