Accessing dental services in Slovenia: A quantitative study

This research focuses on patients’ perceptions regarding the accessibility of dental services in Slovenia across four dimensions: financial accessibility, time accessibility, geographical accessibility, and service quality. We observed how specific factors impact accessibility dimensions of dental services in Slovenia, that patients perceive important. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted using proportionate stratified sampling. Data was collected through an online questionnaire, and 599 completed responses were received from patients regarding their experiences and perceptions of accessibility to dental care. A SEM (structural equation model) approach was used to examine the data. The analysis revealed that patients perceive all four dimensions of accessibility: financial, time, geographical, and service quality important and they all constitute the perception of dental accessibility. The findings of this study can assist policymakers in developing a more accessible dental health system by considering the results proposed in our model.