Who is thought to be a "reliable dentist"? - Lithuanian dentists' opinion.
OBJECTIVE
To find out which attributes, according to Lithuanian dentists, are the most important for a "reliable dentist".


METHODS
All the 140 participants of republican dentists' conference were given a questionnaire. The response rate was 64,3%. The answers about the importance of dentist's attributes were presented on a 5-point Likert scale. The statistical data analysis, using the chi2 criterion was carried out.


RESULTS
The importance of behaviour during painful and unpleasant procedures, painless treatment and ability to control stressful situations was emphasized by 87%, 83% and 76% of respondents. To add, qualification, communication skills, ability to answer patient's questions clearly, respecting patient's confidentiality were accentuated as well by 78%, 82%, 84% and 74% of dentists. Although, gender was not an essential quality for 78% of respondents, 62% of them reported that dentist's age was very important. Those, who are over 30, emphasized the value of erudition (chi2=0.464; p<0.01), punctuality (chi2=25.467; p=0.001), specialization (chi2=15.808; p<0.05), low treatment cost (chi2=17.393; p<0.05) more significantly than their younger colleagues. No need to wait for a dentist's appointment was appreciated more by respondents, whose work experience is over 30 years (chi2=20.601; p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Most Lithuanian dentists emphasized the importance of pain management, painless treatment, behaviour during painful and unpleasant procedures, communication skills and ability to answer patient's questions clearly, which are vital for a "reliable dentist".
Puriene
Alina
A
Zalgiris Clinic Vilnius University Hospital, Zalgirio 117, LT-08217 Vilnius, Lithuania. alina.puriene@gmail.com
Balciuniene
Irena
I
Drobnys
Povilas
P
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003219:Confidentiality; D003729:Dental Care; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D004497:Education, Dental; D005250:Fees, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008097:Lithuania; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D010551:Personality; D012649:Self Concept; D013039:Specialties, Dental / Q000193:education; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D017748:Time Management