Assessing Parental Awareness Regarding the First Dental Visit of Children: A Cross-sectional Study
Sampath Raj Janarthanan
Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital, The Tamilnadu Dr. MGR Medical University, 603319, Melmaruvathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
M. Nisha
*
Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital, Melmaruvathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
A. Vasanthakumari
Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital, Melmaruvathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
A. Selvabalaji
Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital, Melmaruvathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
V. Ramesh
Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital, Melmaruvathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Ramanand Vignesh Pandiyan
Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital, Melmaruvathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Early dental visits play a crucial role in preventing oral diseases and establishing positive dental attitudes in children. Despite professional recommendations advocating the first dental visit by the age of one year, parental awareness regarding this guideline remains limited.
Aim: To assess parental awareness, beliefs, and attitudes regarding the first dental visit of children.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 151 parents. Data regarding child demographics, parental education, awareness of the recommended age for the first dental visit, beliefs about primary teeth, and attitudes toward dental visits were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was used to assess associations between variables, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Most parents believed that early dental visits are beneficial; however, awareness regarding the recommendation of the first dental visit by one year of age was inadequate. A statistically significant association was observed between parental education level and awareness of the appropriate timing for the first dental visit (p < 0.05). Fear of pain and dental instruments were the most common concerns related to dental treatment.
Conclusion: Although parents demonstrated a positive attitude toward child oral health, a significant gap exists in guideline-based awareness regarding the first dental visit. Targeted oral health education strategies and interdisciplinary reinforcement are essential to improve timely utilization of preventive dental services.
Keywords: Parental awareness, pediatric dentistry, oral health education, primary teeth