Determinant Factors in Orthodontist Selection by the Patient

Determining the factors involved in selecting a specialist dentist from patient’s point of view helps dentists to improve the quality of their services and responds to patients' needs. Therefore, this study is aimed to determine the factors affecting the selection of an orthodontist by individuals.

In this study, 384 patients who had been referred to the orthodontist office participated. Individuals were interviewed separately using a questionnaire. Data were collected after completing the questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software version 21.

Findings revealed that the orthodontist's work experience and reputation among the patients (34.1%), their attention and explanation with details to patients (45.6%), referral through another dentist, friends or other patients (46.1%), the good behavior of the staff and the  cleanliness of the office (58.1%), the use of non-extraction treatment based on each patient’s needs (47.9%) and having a payment plan and low cost of treatment (24.2%) were the most substantial issues and greatest priorities in the decision making process of patients.

Our findings indicated that some of the factors and priorities have a high impact on the selection of dentists. The knowledge of these priorities and reasons for patients to choose a dentist can be used in marketing strategies by dentists.