Parental Acceptance of Behavioural Management Techniques and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Dental fear is defined as an emotional reaction to specific external stimuli, such as the use of needles during procedures, whereas dental anxiety is characterised as a more generalised feeling of unease or apprehension. Both fear and anxiety may negatively affect the success of paediatric dental treatments, hindering the performance of procedures. Aim: The study aimed to analyse parental acceptance of pharmacological and non-pharmacological behaviour management techniques, as well as associated factors, in children treated at the Paediatric Dentistry Clinic of the United Colleges of Northern Minas (FUNORTE), in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methodology: The study was conducted at the Paediatric Dentistry Clinic of the United Colleges of Northern Minas (FUNORTE), from July to October 2024. This was a cross-sectional study involving 80 parents of children aged between 4 and 10 years who received care at the Paediatric Dentistry Clinic. Two questionnaires were applied, addressing sociodemographic data, the child’s dental condition, and parental acceptance of behaviour management techniques. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22.0. Descriptive analysis was first conducted, followed by Pearson’s chi-square test to examine the association between parental acceptance of midazolam use and the independent variables. Results: Among the respondents, 77.8% reported that the first-choice behaviour management technique would be “tell-show-do”. Most parents (55.6%) would not accept the sedative midazolam. The techniques of positive reinforcement and distraction achieved 100% approval. Pharmacological acceptance was associated with a negative perception of children’s oral health (P = .03), as well as with severe toothache (P = .001) and the presence of dental caries (P = .05). The least accepted technique among parents during their children’s dental treatment was the pharmacological approach using midazolam. In contrast, the most accepted techniques were positive reinforcement and distraction. Acceptance of midazolam use was associated with a negative perception of children’s oral health, the presence of dental caries, and severe toothache. Conclusion: This study provided parents with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the available options designed to meet the specific needs of their children. Furthermore, it offered insight into the barriers encountered in behavioural management during paediatric dental care.