Awareness and attitude of parents toward pediatric dental treatment under general anesthesia

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dental treatment under general anesthesia is critical for non-cooperative, low aged, and special needs' children. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitude of parents about pediatric dental treatment under general anesthesia. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study among 100 parents of children who were referred to Babol School of Dentistry (Roohani Hospital) and Babol clinic Hospital, Iran, in 2012-2013 for dental treatment under general anesthesia. The questionnaire contained questions assessing the reasons for choosing dental treatment under general anesthesia, and the advantages and disadvantages of this method of treatment and parental satisfaction. The form was completed by the parents. Data were reported using descriptive statistics and analyzed by the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: In this study, a questionnaire survey showed that the majority of parents were concerned about the health of their children and despite having some degree of awareness about side effects of general anesthesia and its high cost, they expressed a positive view toward that. A reduction of fear and anxiety and the possibility of performing several treatments in one session are among the benefits of this method. Non-cooperative children of low age with a high number of dental caries are the main recipients of this treatment method. This method was introduced to the majority of parents by the dentist treating their children. CONCLUSION: This study showed parents accepted the costs and risks of this approach to maintain the oral health of their children after it was recommended by the pediatrician. Therefore, with sufficient awareness of society toward this treatment option, we can improve children's oral health and performance.