Providers’ perceptions of the key issues affecting the delivery of quality services at a Dental Clinic in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: a qualitative descriptive study

@#The aim of this study was to identify factors that affect the dental service delivery in a dental clinic from the context of Papua New Guinean dental providers and to make practical recommendations to improve dental service delivery. This qualitative descriptive study used individual interviews with seven dental providers to identify the factors that were affecting quality dental service delivery in a dental clinic in Papua New Guinea. The factors influencing the quality of dental service fell into three categories and 8 themes. The categories were environmental factors with themes of resources and facilities, leadership and management, partnership development and collaboration; provider-related factors with themes provider competence, provider motivation and satisfaction; and required measures with the themes of a new dental clinic building, renovation of the main clinic area and organizational structure. Quality dental service is achieved when there is a supportive working environment with availability of (new) physical amenities and dental resources, and proper management and organizational structures with supportive visionary leadership. This would encourage teamwork and partnership development internally within the dental team and externally with its stakeholders. Furthermore, it would increase staff motivation and satisfaction internally and partnership development internally within the dental staff and externally with its stakeholders. Consider creating a new dental clinic. Develop a contract between the University and the Hospital to resolve the property ownership issues. Create a clear organizational structure and improve management interaction with clinical staff so that management is supportive. Improve the quality of dental supplies and create an efficient material ordering system. Ensure fairness to staff and respect to procedures are compliantly maintained to encourage teamwork. Reward clinical staff for mentoring and teaching dental students. Create access to continuing professional development for the clinical staff.