Beyond the dental chair: determinants of parental acceptance of behavior management techniques in pediatric dentistry.

BACKGROUND: Developing positive dental experiences at a young age will go a long way toward building a foundation for positive oral health in the future. Pediatric dentists routinely employ behavior management techniques (BMTs) to help children cope with the process of receiving dental care; however, parental acceptance of these methods plays an important role in determining their effectiveness. There are many sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics that could influence a parent's view on specific management strategies. This study explored some of the variables associated with parental acceptance of both basic and advanced BMTs among Thai parents in the Nakhon Ratchasima province. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to October 2025 with parents or primary caregivers of children receiving dental treatment at the Oral Health Center of Suranaree University of Technology and selected preschools located within the Muang district of Thailand. Participants provided their opinions using a structured questionnaire. Questions measuring sociodemographic characteristics, parental dental anxiety (Modified Dental Anxiety Scale), family role approach, and acceptance or rejection of nine types of BMTs were included in the questionnaire. The scaled response items were measured using a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics for each measure were compiled from independent-samples t-tests, Welch analysis of variance, and post hoc tests, using significance levels of p < 0.05. RESULTS: In total, 215 parents participated in the study. Female parents exhibited significantly higher levels of acceptance of participatory communication methods with their child (i.e., Ask-Tell-Ask, Parent' Presence/Absence) (p < 0.05). In addition, higher levels of education, increased anxiety about dental treatment, and an authoritative style of parenting were associated with increased levels of acceptance of communicative techniques. Younger parents were more accepting of the Tell-Show--Do technique of communication than older parents. CONCLUSION: Parental acceptance of behavioral management techniques was influenced by both demographic and psychosocial variables. Once pediatric dentists understand these associated factors, they can tailor their methods of communication, thereby improving the overall experience of the child receiving dental care.