Attitude of Some Nigerian Parents toward their Presence in the Operatory during Dental Treatment of their Children

Abstract

Background: Parental accompaniment of children during dental treatment has been a contentious issue with diverse opinions. One of the factors to be considered is the preference of the parent. The purpose of this study was to assess the attitude of some Nigerian parents toward their presence in the dental operatory while their children undergo dental treatment. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 accompanying parents of children who attended the Paediatric Dentistry Clinic at the University College Hospital, Ibadan using a pretested questionnaire. Results: Majority of the parents (91.0%) preferred to accompany their child when receiving dental treatment. Reasons for their choice were that they would motivate the child (65.9%) and child would feel safe (58.2%). Of those who wanted to remain with their children, (83.5%) reported that their presence would reduce child’s fear by comforting and touching them during dental care. Child’s age, parents’ age, previous dental visits of child and parent were not found to significantly influence the attitude of parents toward their presence in the operatory. Reason for seeking treatment was related to preference for parental presence. Conclusion: Majority of the parents preferred to stay with their children during dental treatment. The clinical significance is that dentists should endeavor as much as possible to maintain the child-parent pair during treatment since it is preferred by parents as they believe their children will be better motivated and feel safe. However, dentists sometimes may need to separate child from the parent for smooth treatment of their children.