The Extent of Parents' Acceptance with Regard to Usage of General Anaesthesia for Their Children during Dental Procedure in Riyadh City

Abstract

BACKGROUND Investigators have begun to assess the parental acceptance on General Anaesthesia (GA) in pediatric dentistry. Patient satisfaction and knowledge has an essential role in determining the utilization of the healthcare services. Physiologic and functional outcomes can affect completion of the treatment process that is one of the Factors that influence parental decision for seeking care. METHODS In this survey, a structured self-administered and close ended questionnaire, was used to assess parents’ acceptance for dental treatments under general anaesthesia for their child. Parents whose children were going to undergo dental treatments in Riyadh Elm University, were approached with this questionnaire. All parents fulfilling inclusion criteria were explained about the purpose of the study and a total of 452 parents provided informed consent during the aforementioned period was included in the survey. RESULTS A total of 452 parents of the children participated in the study. The educational level of the parents was found to be significantly associated with the effectiveness of the comprehensive dental care for their child under GA. Child age showed significant association with the parental refusal of dental treatment under GA. Educational level of the parents and residence were found to be significantly associated with the perception that the dental treatment under GA is indicated for a specific class of patients. (P < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS Education level of parent’s have important role in knowlage and awareness to treat their children under GA. Regular dental check up is important. Educating parents about oral health and diseases is important to increase the awareness about prevention rather than intervention. KEY WORDS Dentistry, General Anaesthesia, Paediatric Dentistry, Parent Acceptance