Choosing a paediatric dentist: Factors influencing parents' decision

Authors

  • MS Mourad Department of Preventive and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Greifswald
  • J Brendebach Department of Preventive and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Greifswald
  • M Alkilzy Department of Preventive and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Greifswald
  • CH Splieth Department of Preventive and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Greifswald

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2020.21.01.15

Keywords:

Children, Parents, Paediatric dentist, Specialist

Abstract

AIM: Choosing a paediatric dentist is an important decision for parents. The mechanisms of this selection have hardly been studied. This study assesses the factors influencing parents' decision choosing a specialised paediatric dentist for their child. METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 30 items that could potentially be relevant to decision-making was sent nationwide in Germany to paediatric dentists to be given to the parents of new patients (n=450). Eighty-nine out of 102 returned questionnaires (response rate=22.7%) were evaluated. CONCLUSION: Previous negative experience with general dentists was the main reason for visiting a specialised paediatric dentist. Recommendations came mostly from the close social environment and the qualifications were the most important feature for choosing a paediatric dentist.