Investigation of Dentist-Patient Communication and Treatment Satisfaction at a Teaching Hospital in Ekiti State

Effective dentist-patient communication enhances treatment satisfaction and compliance, and its assessment in a South West Nigerian teaching hospital setting provides insight into patient-centred care quality. This study investigated dentist-patient communication quality and its relationship to treatment satisfaction among patients at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital Dental Clinic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. A cross-sectional survey of 260 dental outpatients was conducted using a validated communication quality scale and a dental satisfaction questionnaire. Communication was assessed across five dimensions: information provision, active listening, emotional support, empathy expression, and shared decision-making. Results showed that information provision was rated highest by patients (mean 3.8 out of 5.0), while shared decision-making was rated lowest (mean 2.7). Overall satisfaction correlated positively with composite communication score (r = 0.64, p < 0.001). Patients receiving explanations before procedures showed significantly higher satisfaction and lower anxiety. Patients with higher educational level expressed stronger desire for participatory communication. Female patients placed greater emphasis on emotional support. Dentists who introduced themselves by name received higher satisfaction scores. The study concludes that communication gaps, particularly in shared decision-making, reduce patient satisfaction. Recommendations include communication skills training for dental staff at EKSUTH, implementation of a patient rights charter in the dental clinic, and structured informed consent procedures that enhance patient participation in treatment decisions. Keywords: dentist-patient communication, treatment satisfaction, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, patient-centred care, dental clinic