Effect of Parental Dental Anxiety Level on Acceptance of Non-Pharmacological Behavior Management Strategies used in Pediatric Dentistry

Objective: To determine the effect of parental dental anxiety level on acceptance of non–pharmacological behavior management strategies used in pediatric dentistry Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric department of FUCDH Pakistan over five months. It was carried out through a pre-validated questionnaire. Behavior management techniques with audiovisual aids were explained to the participants. Patients reporting for routine dental check-ups, on follow up of ongoing dental treatment were included in the study whereas patients with dental trauma, unwilling to be a part of this research, undergoing general anesthesia and medically compromised patients were excluded from the study. Patients are grouped based on age to determine parental behavior in different age groups. Results: 302 parents participated in this study including 130 (43.0%) fathers and 172 (57.0%) mothers. The mean age of children was 7.81±1.92 years, with an age range of 4 – 12 years. The majority of the parents, 297 (98.3%) agreed with behavioral management techniques with 293 (97.0%) parents agreed that the dentist should show videos of behavior management techniques for their understanding. 254 (84.1%) parents agreed to consent for use of sedation and anesthesia. Refusal to sedation technique was significantly more common among parents of children of younger age group as compared to children of older age group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Modest anxiety levels were recorded in parents accompanying pediatric dental patients irrespective of age group thus expressing eagerness for non – pharmacological behavior management strategies with prior explanation and demonstration. However, reluctance to sedation and anesthesia modalities were deciphered by parents particularly evident in parents of younger age group patients.