Assessment of the effect of parental presence in dental operatory on the anxiety and behavior of children

Introduction: Parents play an important role in the management of a child patient during dental visit. There is a debate on parental presence in the dentistry operation room .This study aimed to assess the effect of parental presence on the anxiety and behavior of the children. Materials and Methods:This study was conducted on ninety five 4-7-year-old children. The parents were asked to complete Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to pre-assess the child’s mental health status and behavioral pattern. Children were treated in two sessions: with the presence of parents (A) and without parents (B). The highest heart rate during injection and drilling was recorded using a finger pulse oxymeter and child's behavior was assessed based on Frankl Index by pedodontist. Results: According to SDQ questionnaire, 80% of children had no behavioral disorders, 12.6% were border line and 7.4% had behavioral disorders. The changes of heart rate and Frankl Index in children without behavioral disorders and border line was significant but in children with behavioral disorders was not significant. Children who had their parents outside the operatory exhibited higher heart rate and less cooperation than those whose parents were present. Wilcoxon test was performed for the statistical analysis. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the presence of the parent in the operatory reduces anxiety and enhances the cooperation level of children.