A qualitative study of trends in patient preferences for the management of the partially dentate state.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors influencing attitudes of partially dentate adults towards dental treatment in Ireland.


BACKGROUND
People are retaining more teeth later in life than ever before. Management of partially dentate older adults will be a major requirement for the future and it is important to determine factors which may influence patients' attitudes to care.


METHODS



METHODS
A purposive sample of 22 partially dentate patients was recruited; 12 women and 12 men, ranging in age from 45 to 75 years.


METHODS
Semi-structured individual interviews.


RESULTS
Dental patients have increasing expectations in relation to (i) a more sophisticated approach to the management of missing teeth and (ii) their right to actively participate in decision making regarding the management of their tooth loss. There is some evidence of a cohort effect with younger patients (45-64 years) having higher expectations.


CONCLUSIONS
The evidence of a cohort effect within this study in relation to higher patient expectations indicates that both contemporary and future patients are likely to seek a service based on conservation and restoration of missing teeth by fixed prostheses.
Cronin
Mary
M
Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Brookfield, Cork, Ireland.
Meaney
Sarah
S
Jepson
Nicholas J A
NJ
Allen
P Finbarr
PF
D000368:Aged; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000523:psychology; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed / Q000523:psychology*; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010358:Patient Participation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research
D015921:Dental Implants