The two dimensions in satisfaction with dental care.

Satisfaction with health services is an aspect of quality of care that is of special importance for captive clients like low-income clinic users. Several methodologies have been reported, but validation has been difficult. This study compares two older scaling techniques with a new, nonmetric method to detect underlying dimensions. Unlike previous research, the typical satisfaction scale was found to be two-dimensional, with one dimension measuring latent hostility or resentment, and the other measuring general glorification of the health professional. The two components do not form polar opoosites of one attitude dimension. Latent hostility seems to be more related to personal experiences with providers than is general glorification.