The Effect of Students' Attitudes towards Elderly Patients on Satisfaction with Removable Complete Dentures

Demographic advances and the increasing elderly population have made it necessary to review the professional training and attitudes of future dentists. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dental students' attitudes towards elderly patients on the satisfaction of these patients with receiving a removable complete denture. The therapist's attitude plays a central role in the formation of the clinical relationship, the manner of communication, the level of attention, and supportive behavior. Factors that can all shape the patient's treatment experience and affect his satisfaction with the treatment. This descriptive-correlation study was conducted with the participation of ۱۵۰ dental students and ۱۵۰ elderly patients receiving removable complete dentures at three universities of medical sciences in the country. Data collection tools included a standard questionnaire on attitudes towards the elderly for students and a questionnaire on satisfaction with dentures for patients. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistical tests, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and independent t-test. The findings showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between students' general attitude towards the elderly and patients' satisfaction with prosthesis. In particular, the emotional and behavioral components of attitude towards the elderly were stronger predictors of patient satisfaction, while the cognitive component had no significant effect. Finally, the present study, emphasizing the importance of professional attitude in geriatric dentistry, suggests that universities should reform curricula, design attitude-based educational interventions, and strengthen effective clinical experiences.

کلیدواژه ها:

Elderly ، modern dentistry ، cognitive components ، attitude-based educational interventions ، Communication skills