Dental clinics linked to public universities not only serve an academic purpose but also deliver routine and advanced treatments to varied patient groups at rates supported by public funding. Recognizing the role of patient retention—along with elements like affordability, care standards, and contentment that shape it—remains vital for the ongoing viability of such facilities. The objective of this research was to evaluate how affordability, care standards, and contentment affect patient retention at the dental facility of a state-funded medical university. A cross-sectional investigation was carried out at the dental facility of Alborz University of Medical Sciences located in Karaj, Iran, spanning 2023 to 2024. Information was gathered from 190 individuals selected via convenience sampling, utilizing four instruments: basic participant details, views on affordability and care standards, contentment levels, and retention among dental patients. Analysis involved structural equation modeling (SEM) through PLS software, with fit indicators (rms Theta, SRMR, and NFI) applied to evaluate the model. Associations among factors were further explored using SPSS version 22, incorporating independent t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square analyses, and Pearson’s correlation.
Affordability exerted a notable influence on patient retention (P < 0.001), alongside the joint impact of care standards and contentment. Affordability also markedly affected both care standards and contentment (P < 0.001). Review of participant characteristics revealed that treatments delivered by teaching staff, in contrast to those by trainees, correlated with greater retention (P < 0.01). Retention among patients at state university dental facilities is chiefly shaped by viewed care standards and contentment, while affordability plays a key supporting role. To boost retention, facility leaders ought to implement comprehensive approaches focused on elevating care standards (especially via enhanced oversight by teaching staff), boosting contentment, and preserving reasonable fee levels. These outcomes highlight the importance of addressing both treatment-related and supportive elements of care in educational dental environments.
