INTRODUCTION: We investigated whether patients in different age groups are influenced by the age, sex, and attire of an orthodontist. METHODS: The opinions of 360 patients regarding 4 orthodontists and 3 types of attire (from photos) were investigated using a questionnaire. Patients were classified as children (8-11 years; n = 120; group 1), adolescents (12-17 years; n = 120; group 2), and young adults (18-25 years; n = 120; group 3). The chi-square test was used to evaluate age- and sex-based preferences for orthodontists and attire types, and a statistical test of proportion (significance level, 5%) was used for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Young female orthodontists were preferred (41.1%). A white coat was the preferred attire (48.1%), followed by social clothing (31.7%) and a thematic pediatric coat (19.7%). Groups 1 and 2 preferred a young female orthodontist, whereas group 3 had no apparent age and sex preferences. Regarding attire, group 1 preferred social clothing, whereas groups 2 and 3 preferred a white coat. CONCLUSIONS: Patients of all ages consider appearance to be an important factor when choosing an orthodontist. The participants largely preferred younger professionals who dressed in white coats, because this type of attire was considered clean and hygienic.
INTRODUCTION: We investigated whether patients in different age groups are influenced by the age, sex, and attire of an orthodontist. METHODS: The opinions of 360 patients regarding 4 orthodontists and 3 types of attire (from photos) were investigated using a questionnaire. Patients were classified as children (8-11 years; n = 120; group 1), adolescents (12-17 years; n = 120; group 2), and young adults (18-25 years; n = 120; group 3). The chi-square test was used to evaluate age- and sex-based preferences for orthodontists and attire types, and a statistical test of proportion (significance level, 5%) was used for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Young female orthodontists were preferred (41.1%). A white coat was the preferred attire (48.1%), followed by social clothing (31.7%) and a thematic pediatric coat (19.7%). Groups 1 and 2 preferred a young female orthodontist, whereas group 3 had no apparent age and sex preferences. Regarding attire, group 1 preferred social clothing, whereas groups 2 and 3 preferred a white coat. CONCLUSIONS:Patients of all ages consider appearance to be an important factor when choosing an orthodontist. The participants largely preferred younger professionals who dressed in white coats, because this type of attire was considered clean and hygienic.
Authors: Luciana B Oliveira; Carla Massignan; Regina M De Carvalho; Maria G Savi; Michele Bolan; André L Porporatti; Graziela De Luca Canto Journal: Int J Clin Pediatr Dent Date: 2020 Nov-Dec