Behavioral approaches in pedodontics: How parental influence impacts children's dental anxiety and compliance during treatment

Background:;Dental anxiety and uncooperative behavior are common challenges in pediatric dentistry and can negatively affect treatment outcomes and future dental attendance. Behavioral approaches in pedodontics emphasize psychological management rather than pharmacological interventions. Parents play a pivotal role in shaping children’s perceptions and responses to dental care, as their attitudes, anxiety levels, and behaviors can directly influence a child’s emotional state and cooperation during treatment. Aim:This study aimed to assess the impact of parental influence on children’s dental anxiety and compliance during dental treatment. Materials and Methods::A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 child–parent pairs attending a pediatric dental clinic. Children aged 4–10 years requiring routine dental treatment were included. Parental dental anxiety and attitudes were assessed using a structured, pre-validated questionnaire. Children’s dental anxiety was recorded prior to treatment, and their behavior and compliance during treatment were evaluated using a standardized behavior rating scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results:The study revealed that 20% of parents exhibited high dental anxiety, while 22% of children showed high dental anxiety. A statistically significant association was found between parental dental anxiety and children’s dental anxiety (p = 0.001). Children accompanied by highly anxious parents demonstrated significantly poorer compliance during treatment compared to those with low-anxiety parents (p < 0.001). Positive and cooperative behavior was more frequently observed among children whose parents displayed calm and supportive attitudes. Conclusion:Parental dental anxiety significantly influences children’s dental anxiety and compliance during treatment. Incorporating parental counseling and education into behavior management strategies may improve children’s cooperation and overall dental experience.