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Journals / Selcuk Dental Journal / 2025 / Volume: 12 Issue: 3

Parental Perspectives on Pediatric Dental Sedation: Knowledge, Awareness, and Influencing Factors

Merve Hayriye Kocaoglu(ANKARA UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF DENTISTRY)0000-0002-2259-0131
Akif Demirel(ANKARA UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF DENTISTRY)0000-0002-1433-0452
Yasemin Akçaalan(ANKARA UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF DENTISTRY)0000-0003-0011-3489
Ahmet Alper Büyüksalih(ANKARA UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF DENTISTRY)0009-0009-9519-5317
Pages
—
Publication Date
2025-12-29
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Keywords:pediatric sedation, parental awareness, parental attitudes, pediatric dentistry, sociodemographic factors

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Background: Dental anxiety is a challenge in pediatric dentistry, often compromising treatment outcomes and oral health.
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Key Findings & Data:Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional, 25-item survey was conducted among 176 parents of children scheduled for dental treatment under sedation.
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Conclusion & Impact:Keywords:pediatric sedation, parental awareness, parental attitudes, pediatric dentistry, sociodemographic factors
🔬Design:Survey & Empirical Study
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:pediatric sedation · parental awareness · parental attitudes

Abstract

Background: Dental anxiety is a challenge in pediatric dentistry, often compromising treatment outcomes and oral health. Procedural sedation offers therapeutic benefits, yet insufficient parental knowledge may hinder acceptance. This study aimed to assess parental knowledge and examine associated factors. Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional, 25-item survey was conducted among 176 parents of children scheduled for dental treatment under sedation. The respondents completed questions related to sedation, demographic details, and attitudes towards preventive oral health measures. Categorical data were analyzed using chi-square tests with Monte Carlo simulation–based p-values, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: 90.9% of participants were mothers with a mean age of 35.4 years. Although 74.4% reported familiarity with dental sedation, only 54.5% was able to distinguish sedation from general anesthesia. Anxiety about sedation was prevalent among 65.9% of parents, and the most frequent concerns were about recovery and respiratory complications (47.7% and 35.2%, respectively). Lower anxiety, pain-free anesthesia experience, preservation of spontaneous breathing, and accurate anesthesia provider information were associated with higher education and income (p < 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was identified between higher-income households and the propensity of parents to report more correctly about sedation, toothbrushing practices (p=0.002), access to preventive services (p<0.001), and recognition of fluoride benefits. Conclusion: Socioeconomic factors influence the level of parental knowledge regarding pediatric dental sedation. To promote safer and more efficient pediatric dental treatment, targeted education and better access to preventive dentistry can lessen inequalities and increase awareness. Keywords:pediatric sedation, parental awareness, parental attitudes, pediatric dentistry, sociodemographic factors

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Cite This Article

Kocaoglu, M. H., Demirel, A., Akçaalan, Y., Büyüksalih, A. A. (2025). Parental Perspectives on Pediatric Dental Sedation: Knowledge, Awareness, and Influencing Factors. Selcuk Dental Journal, Volume: 12 Issue: 3. https://doi.org/10.15311/selcukdentj.1800839

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