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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Eur J Dent 2011; 05(02): 186-190
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1698878
Original Article
Dental Investigation Society

Children’s Perception of Their Dentists

Maha AlSarheed
a   Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, King Saud University, College of Dentistry, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
30 September 2019 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess school children’s feelings and attitudes toward their dentist. Methods: A questionnaire designed to evaluate children’s attitudes and preferences toward dentists was completed by 583 children (289 females, 294 males) with age range 9-12 years attending public schools. Results: 76% of the children who completed the questionnaire reported that they had been to the dentist before. Of the children who had visited the dentist, approximately 64% reported liking their visit, 11% didn’t like their visit, and 12% were afraid. 90% of the children preferred their dentist to wear a white coat, while 40% preferred them to wear a mask and protective eye glasses as protective measures during treatment. When asked to choose between two pictures of different clinical settings, 63% of the children indicated that they preferred a decorated dental clinic over a plain clinic. Fear of local anesthesia and tooth extraction were the most common reasons cited for not liking dental treatment. Conclusions: Children have strong perceptions and preferences regarding their dentists. Data collected for this study can be used by dentists to improve delivery of care. (Eur J Dent 2011;5:186-190)

Key words:

Dental care - Perception - Questionnaire - Dentist
 

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