Optimizing The Waiting Room Environment to Improve the Patient Experience in the Uniandes Dental Care Unit

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the causes of alterations in the dental behavior of patients, mainly attributed to post-traumatic experiences of their own or of people close to them during dental treatment. Material and method: It focused on the conditioning of the waiting room of the Uniandes Dental Care Unit by means of audiovisual elements, reading material and aromatizers, with the aim of positively influencing the dental behavior of patients. A sample of 178 patients and 64 ninth and tenth semester students was used, collecting data through surveys and interviews. Statistics and Result: The results revealed that the conditioning of the waiting room was fundamental in reducing patients' stress, anxiety, nervousness and fear before receiving dental care. Both students and patients showed a high acceptance of these improvements.