Attitude of parents towards oral health and dental treatment of their children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: Increased rate of dental caries among children necessitate regular pediatric dental treatments; however,
the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for dental visits of children, compromising their oral
health. To assess the attitude of parents towards oral health and dental treatment of their children during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: 232 eligible parents presenting to the Pediatric Dentistry Department
of Qazvin Dental School during March and April 2021 seeking dental care for their children were requested to
fill out a questionnaire included data regarding demographic information, child’s dental history, attitude about
the COVID-19 and risk of dental treatments. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and
Pearson’s correlation coefficient (alpha=0.05). Results: One-third of the parents reported that fear of contraction
of COVID-19 was the reason for not seeking dental care during the pandemic. The majority of the parents
stated no change in oral hygiene behavior or consumption of sugary foods during the pandemic. Cancellation
of previous dental appointments (P=0.038) and unwillingness to seek dental care at present (P=0.015) were
significantly correlated with the susceptibility score. The susceptibility score of the parents was also correlated
with their psychological status (P=0.016). A significant correlation was noted between the susceptibility score
and attitude as well (r=0.287, P<0.001). Conclusion: High level of concern regarding the COVID-19 prevents
parents from seeking dental care for their children. It is imperative to take measures to reassure the parents
regarding the safety of dental care for their children during the pandemic to ensure continuation of dental care.
KEYWORDS
Attitude, Children, COVID 19, Dental care, Oral health.