The aim: To find out which attributes, according to Lithuanian dentists, are the most important for a "reliable dentist".
Materials and methods: All the 140 participants of republican dentists' conference were given a questionnaire. The response rate was 64,3%. The answers about the importance of dentist's attributes were presented on a 5-point Likert scale. The statistical data analysis, using the chi2 criterion was carried out.
Results: The importance of behaviour during painful and unpleasant procedures, painless treatment and ability to control stressful situations was emphasized by 87%, 83% and 76% of respondents. To add, qualification, communication skills, ability to answer patient's questions clearly, respecting patient's confidentiality were accentuated as well by 78%, 82%, 84% and 74% of dentists. Although, gender was not an essential quality for 78% of respondents, 62% of them reported that dentist's age was very important. Those, who are over 30, emphasized the value of erudition (chi2=0.464; p<0.01), punctuality (chi2=25.467; p=0.001), specialization (chi2=15.808; p<0.05), low treatment cost (chi2=17.393; p<0.05) more significantly than their younger colleagues. No need to wait for a dentist's appointment was appreciated more by respondents, whose work experience is over 30 years (chi2=20.601; p<0.05).
Conclusions: Most Lithuanian dentists emphasized the importance of pain management, painless treatment, behaviour during painful and unpleasant procedures, communication skills and ability to answer patient's questions clearly, which are vital for a "reliable dentist".