Effects of a positive verbal presentation on parental acceptance of passive medical stabilization for the dental treatment of young children.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a positive verbal presentation on parental acceptance of passive medical stabilization of young dental patients needing dental treatment in the private setting.

METHODS

Parents appearing for the treatment of their young, uncooperative child were informed regarding the use of passive medical stabilization (Papoose Board). The control group (CG) was given a neutral explanation regarding the use of the Papoose Board (PB), and the experimental group (EG) was given a positive verbal presentation. A video film depicting 2 children undergoing dental treatment with conscious sedation and PB and a third child undergoing dental treatment under general anesthesia was viewed. Next, a post-screening survey regarding parents' attitudes to the treatment modalities was given.

RESULTS

Sixty parents completed the trial. EG parents were found to be significantly more receptive to PB use compared to CG parents (69% vs 10%; chi-squared = 19.48; P=.001). CG parents believed that active restraint by a parent would be just as successful as passive restraint. The majority of EG parents, however, voiced the opposite opinion. EG parents attributed a restrained child's crying while in a PB to the child's fear, while CG parents attributed it directly to the restraint.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental acceptability of the PB, coupled with conscious sedation, is dependent on the way it is presented by the clinician. Positive explanation may result in more parents' acceptance of this form of treatment.