Validation of an instrument that assesses the quality of care in dental services from the perspective of adolescents

Aim: To characterize the quality of dental care services and validate the Quality of Care in Dental Services from the Perspective of Adolescents (QASO-A - Qualidade da Assistência nos Serviços Odontológicos na perspectiva de Adolescentes) instrument. Methods: A quantitative crosssectional epidemiological study, part of an epidemiological survey on oral health conditions among schoolchildren. The tested sample consisted of 350 subjects. Trained academics used software developed for data collection and database construction. Data were descriptively analyzed using JASP 1.8.2. Results: The quality of dental care was positively evaluated among schoolchildren aged 12 and 15 years. However, there was limited access to information about oral cancer and diet, along with dissatisfaction related to the physical structure of the clinic, the comfort of the dental chair, and waiting time. The QASO-A instrument provided evidence of validity and reliability. Conclusion: The quality of dental care among adolescents aged 12 and 15 years was well evaluated in terms of service satisfaction, indicating that good-quality services were offered. The QASO-A instrument was considered valid and reliable for application to individuals with similar characteristics to those evaluated in this study.