INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated patients’ experiences of the Hypodontia Care Pathway at a large teaching hospital at key stages: specifically patient expectations/experience following the diagnosis of hypodontia and then patient satisfaction with the orthodontic care received and the outcome at the end of active orthodontic treatment. METHODOLOGY: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty hypodontia patients following completion of orthodontic treatment but prior to any planned prosthodontic treatment commencing. Interviews were analysed qualitatively, using a framework approach. RESULTS: The framework analysis identified four main themes: perceptions of treatment, impact of the original malocclusion and the treatment process, the care team and communication. The themes were then further divided into subthemes. DISCUSSION: There was a large amount of positive feedback and the importance of the patient-clinician relationship was evident throughout. Where negative feedback was provided it mainly related to communication and areas were identified where change could take place in the future. CONCLUSIONS: Positive feedback was received and the importance of patient-clinician rapport was highlighted in all interviews. The main areas for improvement related to the importance of ensuring optimum communication, particularly with a cohort of patients who are often undergoing complex multidisciplinary treatment. Recommendations for the service have been made
