Impact of Parental Involvement on Child Compliance During Dental Procedures

Abstract

Background: Effective management of child behavior during dental procedures is crucial for successful treatment outcomes and promoting oral health. Parental involvement has been recognized as a key factor influencing child compliance in various healthcare settings, but its specific impact on child compliance during dental appointments remains understudied. Methods: A cross-sectional clinical research involving 100 children scheduled for routine dental treatments. Parental involvement was categorized as high, moderate, or low based on the level of parental presence and interaction during the dental appointment. Child compliance was assessed using a validated behavior rating scale, evaluating factors such as cooperation, anxiety, and disruptive behavior during the dental procedure. Statistical analysis, including correlation analysis and ANOVA, was performed to determine the association between parental involvement and child compliance. Results: The results revealed a significant correlation between parental involvement and child compliance (P < 0.05). Children with high levels of parental involvement demonstrated greater compliance during dental procedures compared to those with moderate or low levels of parental involvement. Specifically, children with high parental involvement exhibited lower levels of anxiety, reduced disruptive behavior, and greater cooperation with the dental team. Conclusion: This research provides evidence of the positive impact of parental involvement on child compliance during dental procedures in pediatric patients. Higher levels of parental presence and interaction were associated with improved child behavior and cooperation, highlighting the importance of parental involvement in promoting positive oral health behaviors and facilitating successful dental treatments. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions targeted at enhancing parental involvement and optimizing child compliance in the dental setting.

Keywords

• behavior management
• child compliance
• dental procedures
• parental involvement
• pediatric patients