JOR 17 Parent ’ s Perception on the Importance of their Children ’ s First Dental Visit ( A cross - sectional Pilot Study in Malaysia )

Introduction: Understanding parental perceptions about early childhood oral health is important in order to develop effective preventive measures since parents’ health behaviours and practices usually have a direct influence on their children’s dental health. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate parental views about the primary teeth, first dental visit, and use of behaviour modification at the time of a first clinical visit. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among parents who brought their children to the Paediatric Dental Clinic at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. Parents completed a close-ended interviewer-administrated questionnaire (n=110). The questionnaire had eleven items addressing knowledge and attitudes towards the importance of primary teeth, effects of early extractions, and the main reason to visit the dentist for the first time. It also assessed views on appropriate treatment for decayed primary teeth, methods used to prepare children for their dental visit, and the timing of first dental visit. Data were analyzed using descriptive, frequency and Chi-Square analysis. Results: Overall, 82.3% of parents recognized the importance of primary teeth. However, only (12.5%) were aware that the first dental examination should be by age 12 months. Regarding treating primary teeth with decay, 47.9% thought that these teeth should be restored, whereas 37.5% believed extractions were appropriate. Two-third of parents (67.7%) had agreed to promote behaviour modification during the first visit if their children had no pain. Conclusion: Many parents realised the importance of primary teeth, however, lacked the sufficient knowledge on how to appropriately deal with these teeth with caries and the recommended time for first dental visit. Hence the parents must receive appropriate anticipatory guidance and also need to appreciate the benefits of early dental visit to the oral health and well-being of children.