Parental Attitude toward Behavioral Management Techniques in Dental Practice with Schoolchildren in Kuwait

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the parental attitude toward different management techniques used during dental treatment of schoolchildren in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and eighteen parents who accompanied their children to the clinics of Hawally School Oral Health Program in Kuwait participated in this study. The parents viewed a videotape which showed scenes of different behavioral management techniques (BMTs) and then completed a questionnaire. Results: Positive reinforcement, effective communication, tell-show-do, distraction, modeling and nonverbal communication were considered as the most approved techniques. Hypnosis and parental separation were moderately approved techniques. Voice control, nitrous oxide sedation, protective stabilization (physical restraint), general anesthesia, hand-over-mouth technique and conscious sedation were the least approved techniques. A majority (99%) of parents regarded the use of various BMTs as a key factor for successful dental care for their children. Acceptance of each BMT was not related to parental age, gender, nationality, educational level or occupation. Conclusion: Most parents preferred the nonpharmacological techniques to pharmacological techniques. Techniques employing drugs and restraint were considered as least acceptable. Further studies comparing the effectiveness of various BMTs are required.