What to wear when practicing on pediatric dental patients?

Background: The appearance of the clinician is considered to have an effect on a patient′s impression of the dental environment and to affect the doctor-patient relationship. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify children′s and parents′ preferences regarding dentist′s attire and their relationship to dental anxiety, previous experiences, and socioeconomic levels. Methods: The study was conducted with 500 patients between 5 and 11 years of age and their parents. Participants were asked to respond a questionnaire, and preference of dental attire was determined by showing photographs of either a female or a male pediatric dentist in the three different modes of attire. Statistics: Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Spearmen Rho correlation test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The majority of children and their parents were found to prefer pediatric dentists to wear white coats; however, children with a systemic disease, dental anxiety, and previous negative dental experience preferred casual dress (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Previous experiences and general health have a strong effect on children′s preferences related to their dentist′s attire.