Table 1 Dentists’ and patients’ ratings for patient autonomy in a set of dental decisions (DDQ with CPS as response scale). Lower scores indicate higher patient autonomy

2

Which anesthetic to use (common, adrenalin-reduced, adrenalin-free, superficial)

3.8 (0.5)

2.8 (0.9)

3

Caries treatment (filling, crown, tooth extraction, temporary restoration, waiting)

2.6 (0.7)

2.3 (0.8)

4

Treatment of painful dental nerve inflammation (endodontic treatment, apicoectomy, waiting)

2.6 (0.9)

2.6 (0.8)

5

Treatment of gingivitis (prophylaxis, curettage, antibiotics, waiting)

3.1 (0.7)

2.4 (0.8)

6

Whether to extract a tooth (extraction, conservative treatment, waiting)

2.9 (1.0)

2.1 (0.9)

7

Problems with temporomandibular joint or masticatory muscles (physiotherapy, occlusal appliance, surgery, waiting)

2.5 (0.9)

2.4 (0.8)

8

Complication with dentures, e.g. jiggling, fracture, sore spots (repair, lining, renewal, waiting)

2.3 (1.1)

2.0 (0.8)

9

Initial tooth loss in the visible area—1–3 teeth missing (permanent / removable dentures, expanding existing dentures, dental implants, waiting)

1.9 (0.5)

1.9 (0.8)

10

Initial tooth loss in the posterior area – 1–3 teeth are missing (permanent / removable dentures, expanding existing dentures, dental implants, waiting)

1.9 (0.5)

2.0 (0.8)

11

Advanced tooth loss – only few teeth left (permanent / removable dentures, expanding existing dentures, dental implants, waiting

1.9 (0.5)

2.1 (0.7)

12

Complete tooth loss (permanent / removable dentures, expanding existing dentures, dental implants, waiting)

1.9 (0.6)

2.0 (0.8)

13

Diagnostic X-ray (dental film, orthopantomogram, no x-ray)

3.6 (0.7)

2.7 (0.9)

14

Saliva test for caries risk assessment (yes/no)

2.8 (1.3)

2.3 (1.1)

15

Prevention for teeth preservation (professional tooth cleaning [e.g. air-flow], scaling, individual prophylaxis [e.g. for children], periodontitis therapy)

2.7 (0.8)

1.9 (1.0)