Abstract
Background: To identify the factors that affect the current status and satisfaction of people with disabilities at community oral care centers. Methods: A structured self-administered survey, including five questions on facility environment, five on usage procedure, four on medical skill, four on care cost, three on friendliness, and three on satisfaction, was administered to 218 residents of the G-disabled community care center. It comprised a Likert 5-point scale (strongly agree, 5 points; agree, 4 points; moderate, 3 points; disagree, 2 points; not at all, 1 point). The reliability of the measurement tool was 0.932 for Cronbach's α. Results: The evaluation of community oral care centers for the disabled showed that the environment was hygienic (4.42±0.73), reservation system was well maintained (4.18±0.95), and the dentist-in-charge was satisfied with the treatment (4.37±0.62). The participants agreed that the details were sufficiently explained (4.29±0.71). However, in terms of medical expenses, the score of "have fully heard the explanation of medical expenses and reductions" was 3.88±0.92. The factors affecting satisfaction were sex, final educational background in the facility environment, usage procedure, and medical skill. Conclusion: To increase the satisfaction of people with disabilities at community oral care centers, it is necessary to establish a facility environment and service according to the patients' need and increase the reduction or exemption benefits between different treatment cost categories. Oral health management policies for the disabled should be developed based on these factors, so that the oral care of vulnerable groups in blind spots can be maintained.