Parental anxiety associated with children undergoing dental treatment

Abstract

Aim: Over the past two decades, improvements in both the safety of anaesthetic agents and the techniques of operative dentistry have resulted in the popularity of "day-case anaesthesia". The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress felt by parents of children undergoing dental treatment. The study also aimed to compare the stress felt by parents of children undergoing chairside treatment to the stress felt by parents of children who received their treatment under general anaesthesia.

Materials and methods: Study Design: Stress among parents was assessed subjectively using the Modified Dental Anxiety Stress (MDAS) questionnaire and objectively using a pulse oximeter to record the heart rate. The sample comprised of 60 parents of children aged between 4 and 7 years who were divided into three groups. Group A comprised of 20 sets of parents of children who underwent complete dental treatment without any pharmacological behaviour management. Group B comprised of 20 sets of parents of children who were treated at the dental chair with N2O used as pharmacological behaviour management. Group C comprised of 20 sets of parents of children who underwent dental rehabilitation under general anaesthesia. Objective signs were recorded preoperatively, during the procedure and post-operatively.

Results: Dental treatment is a stressful experience for a parent. The introduction of a pharmacological method of behaviour management seems to significantly increase the stress felt by the parent.

Conclusions: A significant increase in heart rate was observed among parents whose children were under treatment.