Parental influence on children's oral health-related behavior

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences between oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of children and their parents, and to identify the family-related factors associated with children's poor or good oral health-related behavior. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data were gathered by means of questionnaires from 11-12-year-old schoolchildren and their parents who replied without having knowledge of the answers of the others. Differences between subgroups of children were analyzed by cross-tabulation, and the factors related to children's good or poor oral health-related behavior by logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Parents of children who reported good oral health-related behavior had better knowledge and more favorable behaviors than those of other parents. Predictors for a child's poor oral health-related behavior were the child's poor knowledge, male gender, the parent's frequent consumption of sweets, and the parent's infrequent use of xylitol gum. When a less strict threshold for the child's poor oral health-related behavior was used, more predictors entered the model: the parent's unfavorable use of fluoride toothpaste; among girls, the parent's lack of knowledge; and among children whose mother's occupation level was high, the parent's infrequent use of xylitol gum. The parents of children whose oral health behavior was favorable were more likely to have a high level occupation and favorable oral health-related behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Oral health-related knowledge of children and their parents seems to be associated with children's oral health-related behavior. Parents' behaviors, but not attitudes, were associated with children's oral health behavior.     

Oral health behavior at age of 11–12 years predicting educational plans at age of 15–16 years

Objective. The aim was to determine if oral health-related behavior at the age of 11–12 years predicts adolescents' educational plans at the age of 15–16 years when adjusting for gender and parents' occupational level. Materials and methods. The study population consisted of all fifth and sixth graders starting in the 2001–2002 school year in Pori, Finland (n = 1691); of these, 1467 returned properly filled questionnaires on behavior (toothbrushing and consumptions of xylitol products, candies, soft drinks and sports drinks) in 2001 and on educational plans in 2005. Parents' occupational levels were reported in 2001 by one of the parents of 1352 of these children. Associations between adolescents' educational plans and their behavior, gender and parents' occupation were evaluated using logistic regression model. Results. Children's oral health-related behavior at age 11–12, gender and parent's occupational level predicted their educational plans at age 15–16. Association between educational plans and behavior, especially cumulative health behavior, remained statistically significant when controlling for gender and parent's occupation: OR = 1.4 for difference of one good habit, and OR = 5.3 for difference of five good habits. Conclusions. Since difference in oral health-related behavior can be seen already in primary school, even when controlling for parents' occupational level, polarization of adolescents may begin already in primary school stage or even earlier.     

The attitudes of parents toward the oral health of children and their reflection on the non-cavitated caries lesions

ObjectiveTo determine the extent of non-cavitated caries lesions in preschool children, and compare its relationship with socioeconomic status, oral and dental health practices, knowledge of caries prevention, and nutrition.Materials and methodsNinety-seven parents of 36–72 month-old children completed a questionnaire on the socioeconomic status of the family, parent's knowledge of caries prevention, the children's oral health practices, and nutrition. In the children, the cavitated dental caries were assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and non-cavitated caries lesions on occlusal and smooth surfaces were evaluated by Universal Visual Scoring System (UniViSS). Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS software program. The relationships between variables were assessed using the chi-square test and logistic (ordinal) regression analysis.ResultsStatistically significant results were obtained relating to the parents' age, number of children, the time of first oral hygiene, frequency of tooth brushing, knowledge of caries prevention, drinks most often consumed by the children, and number of non-cavitated lesions. According to the regression model, the significant variables were caries activity (yes), drinks most often consumed by the children (milk–juice; juice–buttermilk), the frequency of tooth brushing (once a day, twice a day), observed changes in a child's teeth (change in color and breaks in teeth), the number of cavitated caries lesions and decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft).ConclusionsThe primary factors contributing to non-cavitated caries lesions include the time of first oral hygiene and frequency of tooth brushing. The early diagnosis of non-cavitated caries is essential for preventive measures.     

Element Distribution in Gold-Platinum Alloys a Pilot Study with the Electron Micro-Probe

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine whether the baseline oral health-related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of the participants in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) were associated with D₃MFS increment. Additionally, the aim was to study whether the association was mediated by the two baseline behaviors, i.e. brushing teeth and eating candies. Methods. Children in Pori, Finland (n = 493) aged 11–12 years, with active initial caries lesion(s) at baseline, were studied. The data were based on clinical examinations in 2001 and 2005 and on a questionnaire administered in 2001. Associations between success in caries control and baseline oral health-related knowledge, attitudes and the belief in keeping one's own teeth throughout life were evaluated using negative binomial regression analyses while considering the effects of the two baseline oral health behaviors. Results. The degree of concern about getting decay in one's own teeth was associated with caries increment. The less concerned the child was about new caries lesions, the more likely he/she was to develop new cavities. This association was not mediated by the two behaviors. Those children who did not know whether or not their mother had cavities were more likely to fail in caries control than were children who knew about their mother's cavities. Conclusions. It is important to determine child's level of concern about getting cavities because children who are concerned about developing cavities are likely to succeed in caries control while the opposite is true for those children who do not share this concern.     

CHANGES IN PARENTAL SATISFACTION AND ORAL HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN AFTER RECEIVING ATRAUMATIC RESTORATIVE TREATMENT WITH OR WITHOUT PRIOR SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE APPLICATION

ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term and long-term changes in parental satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children after receiving atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) with or without prior silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial, preschool children with cavitated dentine caries lesions in their primary teeth were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either application of SDF solution or placebo (tonic water) on the caries lesions 10 weeks before receiving ART restorations. The information on parental satisfaction and OHRQoL of the children were collected through self-completed questionnaires at baseline, the 6-month and the 24-month follow-up. A five-point scale, from 1 (very dissatisfied) to 5 (very satisfied), was used by parents to indicate their satisfaction with their child's dental conditions. A higher parental satisfaction score indicates that parents were more satisfied with their child's dental condition. In addition, the Chinese version of Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) was adopted to assess the children's OHRQoL, and a higher ECOHIS score indicates greater negative impacts of oral health on the child's OHRQoL.ResultsA total of 194 children participated in this study, with 101 and 93 children receiving SDF and placebo application before ART restorations, respectively. After placement of ART restorations, at 6-month and 24-month follow-up, parental satisfaction scores with their child's dental health status were significantly higher compared with those at baseline (P <.001) indicating the parents were more satisfied at follow-ups. Regarding OHRQoL, no statistically significant changes were found in the child impact section (CIS), family impact section (FIS) and total ECOHIS scores in both study groups at the 6-month follow-up. In contrast, at the 24-month follow-up, the CIS (P = .025) and total ECOHIS scores (P = .015) of the children in the control group were significantly higher than those at baseline (greater negative impacts), but not the FIS score.ConclusionIn this study, after one-off placement of ART restorations irrespective of prior SDF application, short-term and long-term parental satisfaction with their child's dental health status was improved, but not the children's OHRQoL.     

Oral health of young children in Mississippi Delta child care centers: a second look at early childhood caries risk assessment

Objectives: To identify the predictors of early childhood caries and urgent dental treatment need among primarily African‐American children in child care centers in the Delta region of Mississippi. The purpose of this study was to replicate predictors of caries and urgent dental treatment needs that were identified in an earlier study conducted in Delta child care centers and to assess additional caries risk factors not collected in the original study. Methods: Children in 19 child care centers were examined by the dentists, and the parents provided data on oral health practices, oral health history, and on children's oral health‐related quality of life (QOL). The dentists also assessed visible plaque and tested levels of mutans streptococci. Predictors of caries and treatment need among children 24 to 71 months of age were examined using logistic regression. Results: Two parent predictors of caries identified in the earlier study (parent flossing and soft/sugary drink consumption) were not predictive in the current study. Parent history of abscess continued to predict their child's urgent need for treatment. Young children's level of salivary mutans streptococci, maxillary incisor visible plaque, and parents' reports of child oral health‐related QOL measures predicted the presence of both caries and urgent treatment need. Some expected predictors, such as frequency of child's toothbrushing, were not predictive of caries. Conclusions: Parental abscess and parent's report of the child's oral health‐related QOL are risk indicators for poor oral health outcomes that could be used by nondental personnel to identify young children in need of early preventive intervention and dental referral.     

Gender differences in child-related and parent-related determinants of oral health-related lifestyle among 11- to 12-year-old Finnish schoolchildren

Objective. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether child-related and parent-related characteristics were associated differently with oral health-related lifestyle among boys and girls. Material and methods. The study population consisted of 5th and 6th graders and their parents in Pori, Finland. There were 1691 children ranging in age between 11 and 12 years. The data were gathered by questionnaires. For the analyses, we grouped children and parents within three lifestyle groups: favorable, moderate and poor. Differences in child-related and/or parent-related characteristics between boys and girls were analyzed with logistic regression analyses; those with a favorable lifestyle comprised the healthy lifestyle group, and those with a moderate or poor lifestyle the unhealthy lifestyle group. Results. Oral health-related lifestyle was healthy more often among girls than among boys. In both genders, those who considered toothbrushing important for pleasing authorities more often had a healthy lifestyle. Girls who considered toothbrushing important for health and appearance were more likely to have a healthy lifestyle than those who did not. The effect of parents’ oral health-related lifestyle was slightly stronger among boys than among girls. Among girls, however, high occupational level of father was indicative of healthy lifestyle. Conclusions. Among girls and boys, there are similarities and differences in factors related to oral health-related lifestyle. The parents’ model is important for both, but the effect is stronger among boys than among girls. Among girls, attitudes on health and appearance are positively associated with a health-related lifestyle.     

Pilot study comparing parents' and third-grade schoolchildren's attitudes toward braces and perceived need for braces

Abstract An instrument developed for third-grade schoolchildren and their parents was pilot-tested for its ability to measure orthodontic attitudes and perception of the child's need for braces. Seventy-eight children and 54 parents were surveyed. Forty-six percent of the children wanted braces while 61% believed that they needed braces. Correlation between desire for braces and perceived need was 0.47, suggesting that desire and perceived need were only moderately correlated in children. Sixty-three percent of the parents believed that their child needed braces. Despite such proportions of children and parents perceiving a need for treatment, three-fourths of the children and two-thirds of the parents were satisfied with the appearance of the child's teeth. Attitude subscales, derived from the attitude survey, and clinical orthodontic parameters were used to model children's and parents' perceived need for braces in the child. No clinical parameter was a significant correlate in either children's or parents' model of perceived need. Neither race nor gender contributed significantly to either model. The subscales Concern for Appearance and Social Aspects of Braces were the strongest covariates of children's perceived need for braces. Concern for Appearance was the most important correlate in the parents' model. These data suggest that parents' perceived need for orthodontic treatment for their third-grade children is determined primarily by a concern for appearance rather than clinical status. In third-graders, perceived aesthetics and social aspects apparently have more influence than clinical status in creating a perception of need for braces.     

Perceptions of Dutch Orthodontic Patients and Their Parents on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life

Objective:To test the hypotheses that 1) there is no difference between orthodontic patients'' and their parents'' reports of patients'' oral health-related quality of life, and 2) there are no gender differences.Materials and Methods:The sample consisted of 182 orthodontic patients (age range, 8–15) and their parents. Respondents were required to complete the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP). Items were divided into five different subscales, and scores on all subscales were compared between and within groups. Also, scores on six additional items regarding treatment expectations and global health perception were compared. Two hypotheses were tested: first, that no differences between parents and patients would be detected, and second, that no differences between boys and girls would be found.Results:The first hypothesis could not be rejected. Only a few minor differences between parents and patients were found. The second hypothesis was rejected. Differences between boys and girls were found on the subscales Emotional Well-Being and Peer Interaction, indicating that girls experience more effects of oral health on their quality of life than do boys.Conclusions:Parents'' reports on their children''s oral health-related qualities of life were in agreement with reports of the orthodontic patients. This suggests that parents are suitable alternatives to their children in surveys measuring oral health-related quality of life.     

Malocclusion and quality of life in Brazilian preschoolers

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of malocclusion on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) among preschool children and their families. This study involved 732 preschoolers. Parents/caregivers filled out the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B‐ECOHIS) and a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data. Overbite, overjet, and crossbite were recorded during the clinical examination. Bivariate and multiple Poisson regression analyses were performed and prevalence ratio (PR) were calculated (α = 5%). The prevalence of negative impact from malocclusion on OHRQoL was 27.6% among the children and 22.3% among the families. Mother's schooling (PR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.10–1.70), parent's/caregiver's assessment of child's oral health (PR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.60–2.58), history of toothache (PR = 3.84; 95% CI: 2.34–6.30), and visits to the dentist (PR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.37–0.94) remained significantly associated with OHRQoL in the final model for the children, whereas parent's/caregiver's assessment of child's oral health (PR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.71–3.14) and history of toothache (PR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.69–3.09) remained significantly associated with OHRQoL for the families. Malocclusion was not associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL. In contrast, parents’/caregivers’ perceptions regarding the oral health of their children and a history of toothache were predictors of a negative impact on the OHRQoL.     

Characteristics of African‐American Male Caregivers in a Study of Oral Health in Detroit – A Brief Communication1

Objective: The role of fathers among African‐American men, particularly related to oral health, has received relatively little scholarly attention. This paper describes the characteristics of African‐American men who self‐identified as primary caregiver to an index child participating in the Detroit Dental Health Project. Methods: Of 1,021 caregiver–child pairs recruited to this oral health study, 52 were male. Data were collected at a central site in Detroit on: 1) demographics; 2) social support; 3) oral health beliefs, behaviors, and knowledge; 4) caregivers' and child's oral health. Results: Participants reported good availability of social support and high perceived self‐efficacy to take care of their child's teeth, yet, they possessed limited knowledge on preventing oral health problems. Moreover, male caregivers had high levels of caries, missing teeth, and poor hygiene. Conclusions: Findings may inform the development of effective interventions aimed at male caregivers to improve knowledge and understanding of the caries process, particularly concerning their children.     

Oral health behaviors of preschool children with cerebral palsy: a case‐control community‐based study

To describe and compare the oral health behaviors of preschool children with and without cerebral palsy (CP), and to assess the oral health knowledge and attitudes of their primary caregivers (PCGs). Seventy‐two preschool children with CP were recruited from 23 Special Child Care Centers in Hong Kong. An age‐ (±3 months) and gender‐matched sample of children from mainstream preschools was recruited as a “control group.” Assessment of children's oral health behaviors and the PCGs' oral health knowledge and attitudes was conducted using questionnaires. Preschool children with CP were less likely to have ever attended a dentist (p < 0.05). Tooth brushing frequency was similar between the two groups (p > 0.05), but PCGs of children with CP more frequently reported provision of tooth brushing assistance to their children (p < 0.001). PCGs in both groups had similar oral health knowledge and attitudes (p > 0.05). Difference in oral health behaviors existed between preschool children with and without CP. PCGs of children with and without CP had similar oral health knowledge and attitudes.     

Racial and ethnic disparities in children's oral health: the National Survey of Children's Health

BackgroundThe authors evaluated racial/ethnic differences and their socioeconomic determinants in the oral health status of U.S. children, as reported by parents.MethodsThe authors used interview data from the 2003 National Survey of Children's Health, a large representative survey of U.S. children. They calculated weighted, nationally representative prevalence estimates for non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics, and they used logistic regression to explore the association between parents' reports of fair or poor oral health and various socioeconomic determinants of oral health.ResultsThe results showed significant racial/ethnic differences in parental reports of fair or poor oral health, with prevalences of 6.5 percent for non-Hispanic whites, 12.0 percent for non-Hispanic blacks and 23.4 percent for Hispanics. Although adjustments for family socioeconomic status (poverty level and education) partially explained these racial/ethnic disparities, Hispanics still were twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to report their children's oral health as fair or poor, independent of socioeconomic status. The authors did find differences in preventive-care attitudes among groups. However, in multivariate models, such differences did not explain the disparities.ConclusionsSignificant racial/ethnic disparities exist in parental reports of their children's oral health, with Hispanics being the most disadvantaged group. Disparities appear to exist independent of preventive-care attitudes and socioeconomic status.     

Influence of children’s oral health promotion on parents’ behaviours,attitudes and knowledge

Objective The aim was to compare the changes in parents’ oral health-related behaviour, knowledge and attitudes in 2001–2003 and 2003–2005, during a 3.4-year-intervention in Pori and in the reference area Rauma, Finland. Materials and methods The study population consisted of parents of children who participated in the oral health promotion programme in Pori (all 5th and 6th graders who started the 2001–2002 school year in the town of Pori, n?=?1691) and the parents of same-aged children in a reference town (n?=?807). In 2001–2003, the promotion was targeted only to the children in Pori. In 2003–2005, the promotion was targeted also to parents, for example via local mass media. The statistical significances of the differences in parents’ self-reported behaviour, knowledge and attitudes, and changes in these, were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U-tests and confidence intervals. Results In 2001–2003, the trend in changing behaviours was in favour of parents in Pori. Mothers in Pori also improved their knowledge and the attitude ‘importance of brushing for health and appearance’. In 2003–2005, the trend in changing behaviours was rather similar in both towns, which may be due to diffusion of the oral health intervention to Rauma via the media. Conclusions The results suggest that health promotion targeted to children, which in previous studies has been shown to be successful in improving children’s behaviours, also helped their parents in mending their habits.     

Predictors of Developmental Insufficiency of Oral Function in children

AimThis study purposed to investigate the nature of “Developmental Insufficiency of Oral Function (DIOF)” by performing various tests using medical equipment to evaluate oral functions in children, and consequently, contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease in future.MethodsThe participants in this study were 96 children (age 3–6 years; 42 boys and 54 girls). Through the questionnaires for the parents, data on the target children's age, gender, growth history, home environment, lifestyle, oral habits, pronunciation, exercise habits, nasal diseases, and eating behaviors were collected. Furthermore, calf circumference, grip strength, tongue pressure, occlusal force, lip-closure strength, mouth rinsing function test, speech function, and oral examination were performed.ResultsThe percentage of those who answered “Yes” to the items about eating behavior was significantly higher in the DIOF positive group than that of those without DIOF. Moreover, the value of tongue pressure was found to be significantly lower in the group with DIOF than in the group without DIOF. Analysis of other survey items revealed lack of significant differences between absence and presence of DIOF.ConclusionsLower tongue pressure, nasal disease, and the problem of eating behavior affect DIOF in children. The results of this study suggest that interviewing parents and measuring tongue pressure may be useful in the diagnosis of DIOF in children.     

Noxious family environments in relation to adult and childhood caries

BackgroundThe authors tested hypotheses that more noxious family environments are associated with poorer adult and child oral health.MethodsA community sample of married or cohabiting couples (N = 135) and their elementary school–aged children participated. Dental hygienists determined the number of decayed, missing and filled surfaces via oral examination. Subjective oral health impacts were measured by means of questionnaires completed by the parents and children. The parents completed questionnaires about interparental and parent-to-child physical aggression (for example, pushing) and emotional aggression (for example, derision), as well as harsh discipline. Observers rated the couples’ hostile behavior in laboratory interactions.ResultsThe extent of women's and men's caries experience was associated positively with their partners’ levels of overall noxious behavior toward them. The extent of children's caries experience was associated positively with the level of their mothers’ emotional aggression toward their partners.ConclusionsNoxious family environments may be implicated in compromised oral health. Future research that replicates and extends these findings can provide the foundation to translate them into preventive interventions.Practical ImplicationsNoxious family environments may help explain the limitations of routine oral health preventive strategies. Interprofessional strategies that also address the family environment ultimately may prove to be more effective than are single modality approaches.     

Pediatricians' Knowledge of Children's Oral Health: A National Survey

BackgroundA high percentage of dental caries (∼70%) was reported amongst 4- and 5-year-old Kuwaiti kindergarten children. Parents contact paediatricians several times during the child's early life. Paediatricians can play an important role in improving the oral health of their patients. The objective of the study is to evaluate the knowledge level and awareness of paediatricians and paediatric residents regarding children's oral health in Kuwait.MethodsA national cross-sectional survey was distributed to paediatricians and paediatric residents practicing in Kuwait. Data concerning demographic variables, knowledge on dental caries preventive measures, current anticipatory guidance, and experience with dental problems and oral care were collected using online and paper-based surveys.ResultsA total of 230 participants completed the survey, with a response rate of 50.1%. Most respondents (81%) had frequently noticed dental caries in children in their practice. Two-thirds of respondents felt confident in detecting dental caries. However, more than two-thirds were unfamiliar with preventive dental practices and the management of dental trauma. Only 16.5% of the respondents got a satisfactory knowledge score on the preventive measure questions, and nearly 51% had satisfactory knowledge on the recent anticipatory guidance questions. No significant correlations were found between gender or years of practice and knowledge scores. Respondents’ confidence in detecting caries was significantly associated with the knowledge score of the anticipatory guidance (P = .003). Fewer than half of the respondents considered prescribing sugar-free syrup (47.4%) and counselled patients regarding the use of mouthguards during sports for schoolchildren (39%).ConclusionsThe majority of paediatricians have adequate knowledge of the current anticipatory guidance of oral health issues, but they have insufficient knowledge of oral preventative measures and dental trauma. Adequate education and training in oral health are highly recommended.     

Assessing the relationship between children's oral health status and that of their mothers

BackgroundThe authors conducted a study to describe the relationship between the oral health of young children and that of their mothers.MethodsUsing data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and a related birth certificate–linked file, the authors compiled a sample of 1,184 mother/child pairs for children aged 2 through 6 years. The authors performed logistic and cumulative logistic regression analyses by using children's caries experience and untreated caries status as dependent variables. They evaluated the mothers' untreated caries status and tooth loss status along with other covariates, including age, race/ethnicity and poverty status.ResultsChildren of mothers who had high levels of untreated caries were more than three times as likely (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 2.0–6.2) to have higher levels of caries experience (treated or untreated dental caries) compared with children whose mothers had no untreated caries. A similar relationship was observed between mothers' tooth loss and caries experience among their children. The children of mothers with high levels of tooth loss were more than three times as likely (OR, 3.3; 95 percent CI, 1.8–6.4) to have higher levels of caries experience compared with children of mothers with no tooth loss; for mothers with moderate tooth loss, the OR was 2.3 (95 percent CI, 1.5–3.5).ConclusionsMothers' oral health status is a strong predictor of the oral health status of their children.Practice ImplicationsPreventive plans for children should be based on a caries risk assessment. The results of this study demonstrate that basic information obtained from the child's mother regarding her oral health status is valuable in helping the dentist determine the child's caries risk.     

Students' attitudes and knowledge on pain and pain management in paediatric dentistry—An observational study

Introduction

The dental and dental hygienist educational programs prepare students with knowledge on children's prophylactic pain treatment and pain management. Observing the students' understanding could help educational efforts to be more student oriented. The aim was to evaluate dental and dental hygienist students' knowledge and attitudes on pain prevention and pain management in children and adolescents, applying a multidimensional questionnaire previously used on general dental practitioners.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred and four dental and dental hygienist students at Swedish universities were eligible for the survey. Written and oral information was given about the study's aim, methods, anonymity and voluntary participation. The multidimensional questionnaire included 47 closed questions.

Results

The total responding rate was 65.4%; dental students 61.1% and dental hygienist students 92.8%. The total mean of knowledge and attitudes, beneficial for the treating of patient pain, varied between 57.1% and 83.3%. The biggest knowledge gap was identified regarding the items: Children under 2 years of age experience less pain than children over 2 years undergoing similar treatment(34.3%), The dentist is better suited than the parent to judge if a child is in pain (29.4%), and usually the child's pain experience diminishes when the parents are present (24.2%).

Conclusion

Dental and dental hygienist students reported vastly spread knowledge and attitudes regarding pain prophylactic and pain management in children and adolescents, as measured by a multidimensional questionnaire previously used on GDPs. Knowledge on students' understanding of the young patient's pain could help educational efforts to be more student oriented. The questionnaire must be further modified and more extensively tested to meet each participating students' program level.