Factors associated with completing dental treatment at a School Clinic

Abstract

Higher education institutions (HEIs) in the health sector must train professionals who are trained to deal with the diversity of patients, guaranteeing quality dental treatment. However, a major challenge is the abandonment of treatments in school clinics, which compromises resolution and patient satisfaction. In view of this, this study sought to estimate the prevalence of treatment completion and identify associated factors in a school clinic in the north-east of Brazil. A cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was used, analyzing medical records from 2017 to 2023, considering sociodemographic, clinical and treatment variables. The statistical analysis included logistic regression at a level of p = 0.05. The study was approved by the ethics committee (Opinion 7.085.933). The sample included 775 patient records, revealing that the proposed treatment was completed in 69% (n = 535) of them. Most of these required periodontal treatment (58.1%; n = 450) and had no need for surgical treatment (89.7%; n = 695) or endodontic treatment (85.8%; n = 665). The multivariate analysis identified the following as factors preventing completion of dental treatment: being aged ≥26 years; being male; having ongoing medical treatment; and needing surgery or endodontic treatment (p<0.05). Identifying the patient profile will allow us to direct strategies to increase access and permanence for other groups, especially men and patients with greater clinical complexity, through welcoming actions, effective communication, and flexibility in care, promoting more equitable care at the school clinic.

Key words: Dental Care. Medical Records. Dental Clinics. Patient Discharge.