Factors Associated With Patient Failure To Attend Dental Appointments: A Retrospective Analysis

Nonattendance at scheduled dental appointments has a significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide. This study examines the factors associated with missed appointments at the Dental Center in the Department of Oral and Dental Health in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, through a retrospective secondary dat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-08, Vol.16 (8), p.e67061
Main Authors: Alkhurayji, Khalid, Alharbi, Abdullah, Walbi, Ibrahim, AlShpep, Ahmed, Almuhawwis, Yousef, Alalwan, Abdullah, Alnoaimi, Alya, Redwan, Abdulrahman, Alshehri, Ghadeer, Almalki, Naif
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age groups
Data analysis
Data integrity
Dental health
Dentistry
Divorce
Ethics
Females
Gender
Marital status
Medical records
Patients
Public Health
Quality Improvement
Variables
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Summary:Nonattendance at scheduled dental appointments has a significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide. This study examines the factors associated with missed appointments at the Dental Center in the Department of Oral and Dental Health in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, through a retrospective secondary data analysis. Existing medical records from January 1, 2024, to May 1, 2024 were analyzed to identify patterns or factors contributing to nonattendance. Data were collected using a standardized sheet and analyzed with statistical methods, including correlation analysis, ANOVA, and chi-square tests, to determine significant associations and factors affecting nonattendance. The results indicated that the majority of nonattendees were single (56.2%), with a higher proportion of females (60.7%) compared to males (39.3%). Only 3.8% of those who missed their appointments were over 55 years old. Tuesdays had the highest incidence of nonattendance (331 cases). No significant association was found between age groups and the time (F = 0.224, p = 0.925) or date (F = 0.840, p = 0.500) of appointments. Patients were less likely to attend morning appointments compared to evening ones. The high rate of missed appointments reduces the effectiveness and efficiency of the Dental Center's resources. The identified patterns and factors can guide managers and policymakers in developing strategies to reduce missed appointments and improve overall appointment adherence.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.67061