Parental Preference for Parental Separation and Their Satisfaction Regarding Their Children Dental Treatment in Pediatric Dental Clinics in Saudi Arabia

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Behavior management of child dental patients is essential for the provision of high-quality dental care and is influenced by parental preference. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess parental satisfaction regarding dental treatment and different behavior management methods used with their children in a pediatric dental specialty setting at King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital (KAUDH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In addition, it aimed to assess parental preference for parental separation and factors related to their preference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All parents of children attending the pediatric dental clinic at KAUDH in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from September 2017 to June 2018 were included in this study. They were interviewed over the phone and were asked to complete a questionnaire on their acceptance of the behavior management techniques used with their children and their satisfaction with the treatment provided. RESULTS: Of 549 parents, 283 agreed to participate (51.5% response rate). In 254 (89.7%) cases communication and communicative guidance were used, whereas 38 (13.4%) cases involved the use of N(2)O. Parental separation was preferred by 68 (24%) parents, and not preferred by 215 (76%). No significant relation was anticipated between the covariance and the dependent factor of parental preference (P > 0.05). The main reason for parents not preferring parental separation was “safety and protection,” as reported by 106 parents. On the contrary, the main reason for parental preference for separation was to “improve child’s behavior.” CONCLUSION: Parental satisfaction with the treatment outcome and behavior management methods was found to be acceptable. Most parents did not prefer parental separation, primarily because of concerns regarding safety and protection.