The West Coast Study. II: Dental anxiety and satisfaction with dental services.

Dental anxiety is common, and is a notable factor in the avoidance of dental care. The dental satisfaction of users is an important indicator of the quality of dental care. A postal survey (response rate 76.6 percent) was used to investigate dental anxiety and dental satisfaction among a representative sample of 249 dentate adults living on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Dental anxiety was reported by 20.8 percent of respondents, and was more prevalent among beneficiaries (individuals in receipt of a Social Welfare benefit) and younger people. Dental satisfaction was lower among younger people and those who were dentally anxious, and was higher among people with a tertiary education. Differences in consumers' expectations were considered responsible for the latter findings. Where appropriate, dentists should be prepared to adapt their manner of communicating with patients.