Introduction and assessment of orthognathic information clinic

Abstract

Background/objectives: Orthognathic treatment is routine practice to rehabilitate severe malocclusions and dentofacial deformities. Because orthognathic treatment is elective, patient's involvement in deciding whether to proceed with treatment is vital. Interaction and communication between patient and treating team plays a key role in achieving post-treatment satisfaction. To achieve satisfaction, an orthognathic 'information clinic' for prospective orthognathic patients was established at Oral and Maxillofacial Unit, Tampere University Hospital, Finland. 'Information clinic' includes short talks with power-point presentation given by orthodontist, oral hygienist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, psychologist, and previous patient. Aim of the study was to set up an 'information clinic' and, more specifically, 1. to assess patients' opinions on the 'clinic' during pilot phase (2013-14) and 2. to analyse general statistics during the first 3 years (2013-16).

Methods: During the pilot phase, patient opinions, based on voluntary questionnaire, were obtained from 85 people. General data were collected for the clinics run in 2013-16.

Results: Seventy-two per cent of respondents reported the information provided to help in their decision-making to proceed/not proceed with treatment. Majority considered the information about the surgical aspects and meeting patient who had undergone orthognathic treatment to be the most important part of the clinic. Between March 2013 and 2016, 290 prospective orthognathic patients were invited to 29 'information clinics'. One hundred and ninety-four patients attended, of whom 137 were female and 57 male (age range 15-67 years).

Conclusions: The questionnaire and verbal feedback from the patients was positive; hence, the 'information clinic' is now offered as a routine process to all prospective orthognathic patients in our clinic.