Knowledge, application, and compliance with patient rights regulations in dental practice: a legal-health study in the province of Córdoba, Argentina.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate knowledge, application, and barriers to compliance with current patient rights regulations in dental practice in the province of Córdoba, Argentina, identifying risk practices associated with regulatory non-compliance and generating evidence for the development of a good-practice guideline.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical legal-health study with a mixed-methods approach will be conducted. The study population will consist of licensed dentists registered in the province of Córdoba. An estimated sample of 202 professionals will be calculated with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. The quantitative phase will be carried out using a structured survey developed by the authors and previously validated. Additionally, 15 semi-structured interviews will be conducted with dentists selected through purposive sampling, considering years of professional experience, field of practice, and geographical region. Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS v.28 through descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative information will be processed with ATLAS.ti using inductive thematic analysis.

Expected Results:The study is expected to provide a comprehensive diagnosis of knowledge, application, and difficulties in complying with current patient rights regulations, generating original scientific evidence to develop a good-practice guideline aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance, protecting patients’ rights, and reducing ethical-legal risks in dental practice.