Parents' knowledge and attitudes towards endodontic treatments of primary teeth: a cross-sectional study

This study aimed to evaluate parents' knowledge and attitudes regarding endodontic treatment of primary teeth.

This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted amongst parents. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and clinical variables, knowledge items regarding endodontic treatment of primary teeth, and attitude items evaluated on a five-point Likert scale. Knowledge scores ranged from 0 to 16 and were categorised as low (0-5), medium (6-10) and high (11-16). Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests were used. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

The mean knowledge score was 7.80 ± 3.94, and the mean attitude score was 31.48 ± 6.22. Knowledge scores differed significantly according to gender, education level, income level, number of children, and previous root canal treatment experience (p < 0.05). Attitude scores differed significantly according to education level, income level, number of children, and age group (p < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitude scores (rho = 0.543; p < 0.001).

Parents' knowledge about endodontic treatment of primary teeth is positively correlated with their attitudes towards these treatments. Higher education and income levels are associated with higher knowledge and more positive attitudes. These findings suggest that parent-centred education strategies can increase awareness and support more positive attitudes towards endodontic treatment of primary teeth.