Patient-dentist communication and its impact on dental services utilisation as perceived by patients in Libya.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the factors influencing communication between patients and dentists in Libya and their effects on patient satisfaction and trust. We explored the impact of these interactions on the subsequent utilisation of dental health services from the patient's perspective.

DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive study in a purposive sample of patients from oral health centres in Janzour city in Libya who were over eighteen years old. Sixteen semi-structured interviews (30-90 minutes) were conducted online.

RESULTS: Trust was the prime concern among patients. Other factors also positively impacting communication and patient satisfaction included information interaction, active participation, moral support, explanation about processes and the dentists' comprehension of how a patient feels. The online interviews revealed four key thematic areas that reflected the patient-dentist communication phases: 1) Welcoming and establishing a good interpersonal rapport phase; 2) the Information-sharing phase; 3) Treatment decision-making phase, and 4) Satisfaction self-evaluation phase.

CONCLUSION: These data emphasise the significance of soft skills, particularly effective communication, in the context of dental practice. The findings underscore the importance of personal values and interpersonal skills among dental professionals, as these factors play a pivotal role in shaping the success of dental healthcare provision.