Children and parents perspectives on children’s dental treatment under general anesthesia: a narratology from Saskatoon, Canada

AIM: This study aimed to explore the emotional and psychological effects of dental treatment under general anesthesia (DTGA) on children and parents in Saskatoon city, Saskatchewan, Canada. DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews, video diaries, drawings, and a questionnaire were used to collect data. The study used a narrative perspective and thematic analysis to analyze data. RESULTS: The findings from children and their parents (N = 25) indicated DTGA is disconcerting from both views. Parental guilt and the desire of both parents and children to not have to go through the experience again fueled at least short-term compliance with brushing, flossing, and changes in dietary habits. CONCLUSION: The children participants provided valuable information to augment that gathered from parents. As the study revealed that the DTGA is psychologically and emotionally troubling for both children and their caregivers, it is imperative to explore ways to ease the GA experience. Specific recommendations were provided for optimizing dental and health services for those children and their families.