Parents' perceptions and concerns regarding pediatric dental care under general anesthesia in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): a cross-sectional study

The prevalence of dental caries in Saudi children is estimated to be 80% for primary dentition and 70% for permanent dentition. Dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) might be recommended for children with uncooperative behavior or complicated dental treatment requirements. Despite its advantages, some parents have concerns regarding this approach. Nonetheless, little is known about Saudi parents' perceptions and concerns regarding pediatric dental treatment under GA. The main objective of this study was to determine parents' concerns and perceptions on pediatric dental treatment under GA in Saudi Arabia. It is a cross-sectional survey study. The inclusion criteria were: Arabic-speaking parents of healthy children aged 1-14 years referred to GA screening for dental treatment in a hospital. The final study cohort comprised 319 participants. The first part of the questionnaire included the children's and parents' demographic and clinical input, while the second part comprised the parents' perceptions and concerns. The survey was distributed in the dental office during GA screening visits. Our findings revealed that most parents were concerned about possible GA-related complications (78%), followed by postoperative pain (51%), intravenous line and cannula (49%) and coma or death (46%). This study highlights that most Saudi parents were concerned about the use of GA in pediatric dental treatment and the need for more awareness regarding the risks, benefits and expected outcomes of pediatric dental care under GA.