Attitudes of Saudi parents toward behavior management techniques in pediatric dentistry

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of the Saudi parents toward the different behavior management techniques (BMT) used in pediatric dentistry and assess the factors affecting such attitudes.

Methods: Two videotapes, each containing 10 BMT, were produced, one with and the other without explanation and objectives of each technique. Parents (N = 133) watched the videotapes as individuals or in groups and rated the acceptability of each BMT.

Results: The results indicated that generally Saudi parents readily accept most BMT. Informed parents reported higher acceptance levels of BMT than the uninformed parents (F = 23.975, P = .0001). Group viewers reported less acceptance levels than individual viewers (F = 46.940, P = .001). The tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, and distraction were the most readily acceptable techniques, while parent separation, physical restraint, hand over mouth, and voice control were the least accepted techniques.

Conclusions: Generally Saudi parents accepted most of the BMT. Explanation enhanced their level of acceptance.