IMPACT OF ORAL HEALTH CARE SERVICE QUALITY ON INTENTION TO ATTEND RECALLAPPOINTMENTS AMONG ORAL PRE CANCER PATIENTS IN A DENTAL TEACHING HOSPITAL,INDIA

Background: Early diagnosis and periodic follow up through recall appointments plays a vital role in the prevention of oral cancer. Quality of health care is one of the important determinants for patients’ intention to attend recall appointments. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of oral health care service quality on intention to attend recall appointment among oral pre-cancer patients in a dental teaching hospital, India. Materials and Methods: This study included sample of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) patients who visited a dental teaching hospital for dental treatment between May and September 2024 based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality of dental care and their intention to revisit were assessed using 25-item modifies SERQUAL questionnaire in local language. Internal consistency of each question was assessed with Cronbach’s Alpha and hierarchical regression model was used to assess the predictors for revisit intention. Results: A sample of 255 OPMD patients (173 males and 82 females) was participated in this cross-sectional study. Among the SERQUAL items for quality of oral health care provided, empathy got highest mean satisfaction rate 4.32±0.86 and tangibility got least score3.92±0.81. Regression model identified empathy and assurance were the key predictors for patients’ intention for revisit. Conclusion: Patients, who require long-term follow ups such as OPMD cases should be treated with empathy and assurance to encourage them to fulfill recall appointments and dental care personnel should be educated about role of empathy and assurance in patient satisfaction.