Patient Management
Benjamin Bartlett, DDS
Pediatric dental resident
NYU Lutheran Dental Medicine, Brooklyn, NY
Fruitland, Maryland, United States
Andrea Lochan, DMD
Associate Program Director
NYU Langone Dental Medicine, Princess Anne, MD
Princess Anne, Maryland, United States
Assessing the Relationship Between Parenting Styles and Behavior in the Dental Setting
Bartlett BJ
NYU Langone, Salisbury, MD
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship, if any, between parenting styles and children’s’ behavior in the dental setting.
Methods: Children, ages 0-6, and their parents/guardians were recruited. Two groups were created in which the subjects were placed. One group consisted of patients receiving exams (e.g., comprehensive and periodic exams). The other consisted of patients receiving restorative treatment (e.g., composite restorations, stainless steel crowns, extractions). All children received a Frankl score for behavior after the appointments. Parents/guardians completed a Parenting Style Questionnaire (PSQ) to assess their style of parenting.
Results: Parenting style and behavior in the dental setting was found to be statistically significant.
Conclusion: As hypothesized, an authoritative parenting style leads to children with more favorable behavior in the dental setting, regardless of the type of appointment. The PSQ may help provide dental professionals with information to better predict and prepare for behavior.