Parental Acceptance of Behavior Management Techniques Used at the Pediatric Dental Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Western University, Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Parental knowledge and attitudes toward child-rearing and pediatric dental treatment have evolved over time, requiring behavior management approaches in dental clinics to adapt accordingly. Techniques that were once widely accepted may no longer be suitable in the current context.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate parental acceptance of pediatric dental behavior management techniques used by the Pediatric Dental Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Western University, and to examine whether parental demographic factors affect their acceptance.

METHODS: Participants completed an online questionnaire via Google Forms, which consisted of two sections. Section 1 gathered demographic information, including parental age, education level, monthly income, and prior experience with dental treatment. Section 2 assessed parental acceptance of five behavior management techniques. Namely-Tell-Show-Do, Voice Control, Active Restraint, Passive Restraint, and Parental Presence/Absence. Each technique was presented with a brief explanation, illustrative photographs, and a video clip.

RESULTS: The results showed that most parents rated all five techniques as “highly acceptable.” Tell-Show-Do received the highest acceptance score, while Voice Control received the lowest acceptance score. Among the demographic factors, only parental age showed a statistically significant correlation with the acceptance of Passive Restraint. Parents aged 41-59 and those 60 years and older were significantly less accepting of the technique than parents aged 20-40. Meanwhile, other personal factors had no influence on the acceptance of behavior management techniques.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, parental acceptance varied among behavior management techniques. Tell-Show-Do was the most accepted technique, while Voice Control was the least accepted. Parental age was found to significantly influence acceptance of Passive Restraint

Thaiclinicaltrials.org number, TCTR20250624004