Predictors of Parental Intention to Bring Preschool-Aged Children for Dental Services in Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand: A Theory of Planned Behavior Study

Background: Dental caries remains a significant public health challenge among preschool children globally, with parental involvement being critical for effective prevention and management. This study aims to identify the predictors influencing parental intention to seek dental services for their preschool-aged children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2025 in Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand. Data were collected from a sample of 184 parents using a structured questionnaire designed to assess constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) regarding dental service utilization. Results: Among the 184 participants, 73.9% were female, with a mean age of 36.8 ± 10.5 years. Regarding family characteristics, 43.5% of participants reported having one or two children, and 91.3% of children were insured under the 30-Baht gold card scheme. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations among attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and parents' intentions to bring their preschool-aged children for dental services (all P-value<0.001). Attitudes were correlated with subjective norms (r = 0.532), subjective norms with PBC (r = 0.534), and PBC with intention (r = 0.450). A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of parents' intention to bring their preschool-aged children for dental services. After controlling for confounding variables, the model revealed that attitudes (B = 0.426, SE = 0.094, P-value<0.001), subjective norms (B = 0.330, SE = 0.053, P-value<0.001), and PBC (B = 0.382, SE = 0.057, P-value<0.001) were significant positive predictors. Conclusion: Attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC significantly predict parental intention, supporting TPB. Targeting these factors—by promoting positive attitudes, leveraging social influence, and enhancing parental self-efficacy—may improve early childhood dental service use and oral health outcomes.