Attitudes of parents towards their presence in the operatory during dental treatments to their children

The purpose of the present study was to assess attitudes of parents toward their presence in the operatory, while their children undergo dental treatment. One hundred and four adults, who accompanied their children to dental treatments were asked to complete a questionnaire before the dental visits. The survey consisted of three sections sociodemographic information of the children and family, sociodemographic information of the parents, and preference of parents regarding staying with their children in the operatory, and willingness to assist the dentist when the behavior of their child could not be completely handled by the dentist. Most of the parents expressed a wish to be present in the operatory (70.2%). No sociodemographic variable of the parents or children was found to significantly influence the attitude of the parents toward their presence in the operatory. Most parents (58%) said they were willing to assist should the dentist not succeed to manage their children. Our results demonstrate a general trend among parents to be with their children in the operatory when they undergo dental treatment and to actively assist the dentist when behavioral problems are encountered.