Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2026 Jan 21. doi: 10.1007/s40368-026-01165-3. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The clinical efficacy of preventive dental treatments (PDTs) is well established. However, limited evidence exists regarding parental acceptance and its impact on children’s oral health-related quality of life (COHRQoL).
OBJECTIVE: To assess factors influencing parental acceptance of PDTs and their impact on COHRQoL.
METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted amongst 200 parents of children aged 6-14 years who had been exclusively advised PDTs by a paediatric dentist. Sociodemographic factors, parental knowledge, and attitudes were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Parental acceptance of PDTs was recorded at the time the preventive treatment plan was explained. For those who accepted and underwent PDTs, COHRQoL was measured at baseline and 6 months post-treatment using the short-form parental/caregiver perception questionnaire (P-CPQ-8), family impact scale (FIS-8), and a global oral health rating scale. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical tests.
RESULTS: Only 36.5% of parents accepted PDTs. Non-acceptance was mainly due to perceived non-necessity (21.3%). Acceptance was significantly associated with education, family size, residence, prior dental visits, awareness, and attitudes. Logistic regression identified higher education, urban residence, and frequent dental visits as strong predictors for parental acceptance of PDTs. Following PDTs, COHRQoL improved significantly, with reductions in global oral health scores (1.19 ± 1.22 to 0.81 ± 0.77), P-CPQ-8 scores (9.22 ± 2.84 to 7.86 ± 2.59), and FIS-8 scores (7.58 ± 2.49 to 7.03 ± 2.15).
CONCLUSION: Parental acceptance of PDTs is moderate and influenced by sociodemographic and behavioural factors. PDTs significantly improved COHRQoL, emphasising that parents should recognise their importance whilst dentists must play an active role in motivating and guiding parents towards preventive care.
PMID:41563692 | DOI:10.1007/s40368-026-01165-3
