Disparities in (Dis)satisfaction with Dental Services among South African Adults

Context: In recent times in South Africa, there has been a growing public demonstration of discontentment over quality of public services or lack thereof. Majority of South Africans depend on the public dental services, yet only limited information is available on the satisfaction with dental services. Objectives: To determine the level of satisfaction with dental services and examine the characteristics of those (dis)satisfied with the services received. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a nationally representative sample of adult South Africans >15-years-old (n=2901) who participated in the 2007 South African Social Attitude Survey (SASAS). This household survey used an interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect data on participants' socio-demographic characteristics, dental status, dental problem(s) experienced in the past month, use of dental service in the past year and satisfaction with the services. Data obtained was weighted to produce representative sample of South African adults. Taking account of the multi-stage sampling used in the SASAS, data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square and multi-variable adjusted logistic regression. Results: Of the respondents, 36.2% (95% CI; 33.3%-39.2%) reported having made a dental visit in the past year. White South Africans, those with the highest monthly household income, and urban residents were most likely to have made a dental visit. Of those who reported a dental visit (n=1165), 78.8% (n=887) reported to have been satisfied with the services received. Compared to whites, coloureds were less likely to be satisfied (OR=0.41; 0.21-0.81) and compared to those with a personal monthly income of >R10000, those who earn R5000 or less were less likely to be satisfied. The rural residents were also less likely to be satisfied (OR=0.53; 0.30-0.95). Conclusions: The study findings suggest that those of lower socioeconomic status are less likely to use dental services and when they do they are less likely to be satisfied with the service.