Understanding orthodontic treatment satisfaction from the patients' perspective: a qualitative approach.
OBJECTIVE
To apply qualitative research methods to develop hypotheses about orthodontic treatment process and outcome, as well as treatment satisfaction.


METHODS
Four focused interviews with 4-8 adolescents in retention.


METHODS
UNC orthodontic clinic; 22 patients in retention.


RESULTS
Patients expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the treatment process, but were generally satisfied with the treatment outcome. Patients were aware of differences between clinic versus private treatment. From these discussions, we infer that there may be important differences between patients' and orthodontists' perceptions of the treatment process.


CONCLUSIONS
Qualitative methods are useful tools for exploring orthodontic treatment from the patients' perspective and can be used to suggest important future areas of research.
Bennett
M E
ME
Department of Orthodontics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7450, USA. bbennett@intercenter.net
Tulloch
J F
JF
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000523:psychology*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction