Parental acceptance of behaviour guidance techniques in paediatric dentistry in Greece: a cross-sectional study with...

To evaluate parental acceptance of behaviour guidance techniques (BGTs) used in paediatric dentistry in Greece, and to explore its association with parental and child demographics, previous dental experience, dental anxiety, educational level, and family income. A secondary purpose was to provide a contextual comparison with findings from a previous Greek study.

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted amongst parents accompanying their children to the Postgraduate Clinic of Paediatric Dentistry of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and five private paediatric dental practices. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, including demographical information, the Modified Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) for parental dental anxiety, and a 0-10 rating scale assessing parental acceptance of 13 BGTs, following a standardised video-based presentation. Associations between acceptance scores and independent variables were assessed using nonparametric statistical tests.

A total of 294 parents participated in this study (147 from the University clinic and 147 from private practice). Positive reinforcement (9.90 ± 0.38) and tell-show-do (9.77 ± 0.77) were the most accepted techniques, whereas general anaesthesia (5.5 ± 3.9) and passive restraint (4.5 ± 3.8) were the least accepted. Acceptance was not associated with parental or child age and gender, children's dental experience or parental dental anxiety (mean MDAS: 9.75 ± 4.67). Statistically significant associations were found between acceptance of more invasive and advanced BGTs and parental dental experience, educational level, and annual family income (p < 0.05).

Within the limitations of this study, communicative and non-invasive behaviour guidance techniques remain the most accepted amongst parents in Greece, whereas advanced and restrictive techniques are less preferred.