IADR Abstract Archives
Exploring Determinants of the Dentist-Patient Relationship: a Scoping Review
Objectives: The dentist-patient relationship (DPR) is a critical component in dental clinical settings, and understanding its determinants is crucial for effective patient care. This scoping review aimed to investigate the determinants of DPR from previous research focusing on the reification of the construct.
Methods: This study adhered to the guidance for systematic scoping reviews from the Joanna Briggs Institute. The inclusion/exclusion criteria were based on adult participants, the concept of determinants of DPR, and the context of dental healthcare encounters. A literature search was conducted on four major electronic databases in July 2020. Key information from the included articles was extracted to chart the results, mainly for identifying determinants of DPR by frequency.
Results: A total of 1,314 records were initially identified, out of which 14 articles were included in the review. The review identified 'communication' and 'trust' as the most frequently reported determinants of DPR, followed by 'dental fear/anxiety,' 'control,' and 'decision-making involvement.' The majority of the included articles (n=12) were from the patients' perspective, and the number of empirical and non-empirical articles was equal.
Conclusions: The findings of this scoping review provide insight into the common and dentistry-specific determinants of DPR from patients' perspective. However, the review highlights the need for further research to develop a comprehensive framework of DPR and to explore the practical implications of teledentistry. In conclusion, this scoping review highlights the importance of effective communication, trust, and other determinants in the DPR and emphasizes the need for future studies to enhance the understanding of DPR in the dental clinical setting.
Methods: This study adhered to the guidance for systematic scoping reviews from the Joanna Briggs Institute. The inclusion/exclusion criteria were based on adult participants, the concept of determinants of DPR, and the context of dental healthcare encounters. A literature search was conducted on four major electronic databases in July 2020. Key information from the included articles was extracted to chart the results, mainly for identifying determinants of DPR by frequency.
Results: A total of 1,314 records were initially identified, out of which 14 articles were included in the review. The review identified 'communication' and 'trust' as the most frequently reported determinants of DPR, followed by 'dental fear/anxiety,' 'control,' and 'decision-making involvement.' The majority of the included articles (n=12) were from the patients' perspective, and the number of empirical and non-empirical articles was equal.
Conclusions: The findings of this scoping review provide insight into the common and dentistry-specific determinants of DPR from patients' perspective. However, the review highlights the need for further research to develop a comprehensive framework of DPR and to explore the practical implications of teledentistry. In conclusion, this scoping review highlights the importance of effective communication, trust, and other determinants in the DPR and emphasizes the need for future studies to enhance the understanding of DPR in the dental clinical setting.