Comparative Analysis of Patient Satisfaction in Conventional versus Digital Dentistry Procedures

Thesis Abstract

In the evolving landscape of dental practice, technological advancements such as digital dentistry have introduced significant changes in clinical procedures and patient experiences. However, comparative evaluations of patient satisfaction between conventional (analog) and digital dental procedures remain limited, necessitating a comprehensive investigation to guide clinical decision-making and enhance patient-centered care. This study aims to conduct a systematic comparison of patient satisfaction levels associated with conventional versus digital dentistry procedures, specifically focusing on restorative treatments such as crowns, implants, and veneers. The specific objectives include assessing the overall patient satisfaction scores, identifying key factors influencing satisfaction in each modality, and determining statistically significant differences between the two approaches. The research adopts a cross-sectional comparative design grounded in the Kano and Expectancy Disconfirmation theories, which facilitate understanding of patient satisfaction from both cognitive and emotional perspectives. The study population comprises adult patients receiving restorative dental treatments in private dental clinics within a metropolitan area, with a target sample size of 400 participants—200 undergoing conventional procedures and 200 receiving digital treatments—selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection involves structured questionnaires administered immediately post-treatment and a follow-up survey after three months, encompassing quantitative items related to comfort, convenience, aesthetics, perceived quality, and overall satisfaction, along with qualitative feedback on patient experiences. To ensure validity and reliability, the questionnaire is pre-tested on a subset of 40 patients, with adjustments made based on Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.80. Data analysis employs descriptive statistics to summarize patient responses, while inferential statistics—including independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA—are used to compare satisfaction scores across groups. Additionally, multiple regression analysis examines predictors of satisfaction within each group, and thematic analysis explores qualitative feedback for nuanced insights into patient perceptions. It is anticipated that digital dentistry will demonstrate higher overall satisfaction scores owing to reduced chair time, enhanced aesthetic outcomes, and improved treatment predictability. Nonetheless, factors such as clinician communication and patient expectations may influence satisfaction irrespective of the modality, which the study aims to elucidate. The findings are expected to reveal statistically significant differences favoring digital procedures in specific domains like aesthetics and convenience, while highlighting areas where conventional methods remain competitive. This research makes a significant contribution to existing knowledge by providing empirical evidence on patient-centered outcomes associated with technological adoption in dentistry. It extends prior studies through a robust comparative approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data, and applying established theories of satisfaction to interpret results. The findings will inform clinicians about patient preferences, improve service delivery, and support the integration of digital solutions in routine practice. The study concludes that digital dentistry enhances patient satisfaction in restorative procedures, with recommendations emphasizing the importance of integrating patient feedback into clinical protocols and emphasizing patient education for managing expectations. Further research should explore longitudinal satisfaction assessments and cost-effectiveness analyses to comprehensively evaluate digital dentistry’s impact on both patient outcomes and practice sustainability. This investigation ultimately aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps, promote evidence-based technological adoption, and foster patient-centered innovation within dental practice.