The Influence of Parental Presence on Children’s Behavior in Dental Operatory

Aim and Objective: Effective management of behavioural resistance in preschool children is a fundamental aspect of delivering high-quality pediatric dental care. Existing literature indicates that the presence of parents during dental procedures can significantly affect a child's behaviour. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the impact of parental presence on the behaviour and anxiety levels of children in the dental operatory environment. Methodology: The study was conducted on 74 children aged four to six years undergoing various dental procedures. Participants were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria and randomly allocated into two groups. Group I comprised children whose parents were present during the procedure, while Group II included those whose parents were absent. the behaviour was assessed using the Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale and the Facial Image Scale (FIS), while peak heart rate was recorded during the procedure using a finger pulse oximeter. Results: Results of the study indicated no statistically significant differences between children in the parental presence group and those in the parental absence group when assessed for dental anxiety and behaviour. This was reflected in the scores of the Facial Image Scale ( P = 0.771), Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale ( P = 0.614), and pulse rate measurements ( P = 0.96). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in behaviour as well as anxiety between the two groups of children with parents present and parents absent.